African Religions in the Americas

Catalog description

With the arrival of Europeans in the African continent, many Africans were forced into slavery and migration to the USA, Caribbean, and Latin America. Upon arrival in the new world, they reconstructed some of their traditions and religions. These religions are now organized as Brazilian Candomble, Caribbean Santeria, and Haitian/New Orleans voodoo. For their survival in the new world, some have employed Christian symbols and given them novel interpretations. In addition to exploring their historical developments, the course will attempt to examine the inner workings of each of these religions in light of their impact in the western society as well as their interaction with Christianity. Offered occasionally. Three semester hours.