This article argues that the actual experiences of the members of Brazil's Pentecostal churches and its base church communities (CEBs) are more alike than the sharply contrasting ideologies of these two movements might suggest. Both movements foster a sense of closeness to God, enhance self-esteem, provide support networks that are national in scope, develop leadership skills, promote literacy, and encourage a sober and ascetic style of life. The long-term consequences for the economic and political behavior of the members of these two movements may, therefore, be far less different from what most observers would predict.