Creole Religions of the Caribbean: An Introduction from Vodou and Santera to Obeah and Espiritismo (Religion, Race, and Ethnicity)

By Lizabeth Paravisini-Gebert and Margarite Fernandez Olmos

Book Overview

Creolization--the coming together of diverse beliefs and practices to form new beliefs and practices-is one of the most significant phenomena in Caribbean religious history. Brought together in the crucible of the sugar plantation, Caribbean peoples drew on the variants of Christianity brought by European colonizers, as well as on African religious and healing traditions and the remnants of Amerindian practices, to fashion new systems of belief. Creole Religions of the Caribbean offers a comprehensive introduction to the syncretic religions that have developed in the region. From Vodou, Santer a, Regla de Palo, the Abaku Secret Society, and Obeah to Quimbois and Espiritismo, the volume traces the historical-cultural origins of the major Creole religions, as well as the newer traditions such as Pocomania and Rastafarianism. Chapters devoted to specific traditions trace their history, their pantheons and major rituals, and their current-day expressions in the Caribbean and in the diaspora. The volume also provides a general historical background of the Caribbean region. Creole Religions of the Caribbean is the first text to provide a study of the Creole religions of the Caribbean and will be an indispensable guide to the development of these rich religious traditions and practices. With 23 black and white illustrations

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0814727204
• ISBN13: 9780814727201
• Release Date: August 2003
• Publisher: New York University Press
• Length: 262 Pages
• Weight: 0.92 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.1" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Great book on the religions of the Caribbean

This book is well researched and in depth, and put together wonderfully. A must read for those interested in religion, history, and the Caribbean.

Very Informative

Its not THAT academic, more like a junior college or state university academic text, but the authors clearly understand anthropology and religious studies, i.e. what religion is and what it is for. I think the authors have written several similar books, so I don't know how much is recycled here. It has a good section on Rastafarianism which discusses its Abrahamic and Black Nationalist elements. Very enlightening.

A powerful introduction into a fascinating subject

This is a tremendously readable academic text. It is accesible enough for a layperson and very useful for academics. Each spiritual tradition is placed within its historical and cultural context, and the authors very effectively trace their evolution based on the available sources. I was especially pleased that they even mentioned some of the changes and adaptations that the traditions have experienced due to the migration of practitioners outside of the Caribbean. An excellent place to start learning about Creole religions.

Students of ATR: Recommended Reading

"Creole Religions of the Caribbean: An Introduction from Vodou and Santeria, to Obeah and Espiritismo (Religion, Race and Ethnicity" provides an excellent, scholarly over view of many religions and paths based on African Traditional Religion (ATR). This book paints a very clear portrait of what all of these practices have in common with each other and with ATR as well as how they differ. Anyone who studies Pan-African religions, comparative religion, African mythology and folklore or alternative spirituality, as well as those engaged in Caribbean studies will find "Creole Religions of the Caribbean" of great interest. There is no need to languish in mystery on these topics with such a solid piece of research as this on hand to resource. Written by two university professors "Creole Religons of the Caribbean" is not for the faint-hearted or light reader; this is the real deal.