Aurelio el misionero
Los Nikis
Aurelio the Missionary: A Satirical Take on Religious Conversion
Los Nikis' song 'Aurelio el misionero' offers a satirical and critical perspective on the efforts of missionaries in converting people to Christianity, particularly in the Third World. The lyrics introduce us to Aurelio, a missionary whose favorite phrase is 'let the little Conguitos come to me,' a playful twist on a biblical reference. Aurelio's mission is to bring faith to those who are not interested in his sermons, hoping that belief will eventually come to them suddenly.
The song humorously portrays Aurelio's persistence in preaching the significance of the Bible, despite the lack of immediate interest from his audience. The chorus invites listeners to come to Aurelio, promising enlightenment and the assurance of an afterlife. This reflects the common missionary promise of salvation and eternal life, a central tenet in many religious conversions.
Aurelio's success, however, is not attributed to his religious fervor but rather to his ability to amaze people with sleight-of-hand tricks. The lyrics mention his ability to multiply loaves and fishes, a direct reference to one of Jesus' miracles, but with a twist—Aurelio uses a hidden compartment in his robe. This satirical element highlights the superficial and sometimes deceptive methods used to convert people, questioning the authenticity and ethicality of such practices. The song concludes with a call to save the Third World from perdition by believing in miracles, further emphasizing the critique of imposing religious beliefs on others through spectacle rather than genuine faith.