Supreme God and divine unity

What it is: Many currents of Umbanda affirm a supreme God, creator and orderer of spiritual and material reality.

How the religion understands it: This divine principle is often distinguished from entities and orixás, which act as powers, lines, or mediations of the sacred in the ritual world.

Basis and context: The language about God varies according to the current, but usually remains strongly monotheist in public terms.

Debates and variations: The exact formulation can be closer to Catholic, Spiritist, Afro-Brazilian, or esoteric vocabulary depending on the terreiro.

Supportive

Alexandre Cumino, God, Gods, Divinities

umbanda,alexandre-cumino,theology,orixas

A contemporary reflection on God, the orixás, and entities.

Reference: Alexandre Cumino, works on Umbanda theology and symbolism.
Content: The author seeks to distinguish God, the orixás, entities, and spiritual mediations in the religion's contemporary language.
Use in debate: It is useful for the supreme God, the orixás, and internal theological plurality.

Alexandre Cumino, History of Umbanda

umbanda,alexandre-cumino,history,identity

A contemporary synthesis of Umbandist history and identity.

Reference: Alexandre Cumino, works on the history and foundations of Umbanda.
Content: The author presents origin narratives, spiritual lines, charity, and ritual diversity.
Use in debate: It is useful for a contemporary internal view of the religion's identity.

Narrative of 1908 and Zélio Fernandino de Moraes

umbanda,zelio,origin,caboclo-das-sete-encruzilhadas

The classic account of the public founding of Umbanda.

Reference: Traditional narrative linked to Zélio Fernandino de Moraes and Caboclo das Sete Encruzilhadas.
Content: The account presents the public opening of a new religion centered on charity, mediumship, and spiritual welcome.
Use in debate: It is one of the best-known identity sources on Umbanda's public origin.