Communication and Learning: Social Representations of Religion: The Lord of Miracles and the Virgin of Guadalupe

Abstract

Introduction: In Lima and Mexico we analyze the social representations of religion as an expression of communication in the case of El Señor de los Milagros, in the first, and the Virgin of Guadalupe, in the second. Methodology: Qualitative, non-experimental design, we apply the interview technique to Peruvian and Mexican citizens who are believers and devotees of both deities and finally, to specialists in the subject of Catholic religion. Results: The social representations of religion are framed in communication processes with common elements such as: faith, prayer, devotion, security, miracles, protection, support, dogma, collective resource and sense of belonging.  Discussion: The deities studied transcend time and culture multidimensionally; The collective's roots in them channel the expression of their feelings in religious practices such as pilgrimage, faith and miracle. Conclusions: The social representations of religion are expressions of communication processes through their devotion: the procession in El Señor de los Milagros, and the pilgrimage in the Virgin of Guadalupe. They are spaces of interaction and expression of their religious beliefs and are transmitted to their families and communities intergenerationally.