Perspectives on Religious Syncretism By Griffin Willins A Battle of Good and Evil The study of religious syncretism is a divisive one. Scholars and anthropologists have long debated the ethics of the term. Some scholars believe it to describe a natural blending of different cultural ideas and practices. Others feel it describes the violation and suppression of existing religious practices, where peoples were forced to pick one system over another. There is no victor in this debate. Both sides make a valid case for whether the term should or shouldn't still apply in scholarly anthropological contexts . For some cultures, such as those found in the Americas, syncretism is an overtly positive concept. It describes their acceptance of faiths and practices both indigenous and foreign to the region. This is the case with the Quechua peoples of the Andes who practice a mixture of local traditions infused with Spanish-wrought Catholicism. For some, such as in certain African
nice! i wonder why we (as a society) are so much less inclined to adopt spiritual cures on top of physical medicine.
ReplyDeleteHey Jacqueline. I liked learning about curanderos and curandeiros. You did a good job covering the what and why concept of a curanderismo. It was interesting to see why Hispanic culture accepted this type of healer due to economic struggles. It makes sense. Great post!
ReplyDeleteSome families actually give babies bracelets to prevent people from giving them the evil eye. I don't remember if it is mentioned in the reading or not but I know people can give babies the evil eye without knowing. Interesting thing is that apparently in my family it is well known that my grandfather is one of these people I don't know why exactly but I thought it was interesting. Thank you for your post!
ReplyDeleteGreat presentation, the reading was easy and forward, and love the balance of positive and negative color choices. and the did you know section is well delivered!
ReplyDelete