Working the Spirit: Ceremonies of the African Diaspora

by Joseph M. Murphy

Book Overview

"An appreciative and user-friendly book on religion in the African diaspora. Murphy's skillfully drawn portraits offer an inviting introduction to the religious worlds of Vodou, Candomble, Santeria, Revival Zion, and the Black Church" - David W. Wills, Amherst College

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0807012211
• ISBN13: 9780807012215
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: Beacon Press
• Length: 280 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Very Inormative!

This book gave you so much insight into the spiritual experience of both ATR's (African Traditional Religions) and even the Black Church. For one to read this book, one would have to acknowledge all the differences that share the same current of ancestorship, ritual, and root to Africa.

Best Intro for the Curious in Orisha Religion

First of all I really do like both of Joseph Murphy's books. This one and Santeria African Spirits in America. They speak truthfully, and are an excellent recourse of information for those who are curious in understanding the Lucumi Santeria Religion. Working the Spirits is a remarkable read, full of wisdom, and respect. `No he is not an Initiated priest of the Religion!" But Mr. Murphy writes with such respect, and one can tell he really researched the various Orisha religions, and grew to have a great respect and love for them. While I highly recommend Santeria African Spirits in America for those who want to have some knowledge of the Lucumi Religion, I also have to recommend Working the Spirits, as it goes into the Orisha sects of Candomble, Umbanda, Voodoo, Brujeria, and Espiritismo.