Afro-Caribbean: Religion and Psychology

Afro-Caribbean identity and culture interlock religion and psychology. Both religion and psychology influence each other and help define the practices, behaviors, attitudes, and thought processes of about 25 million people within 40 islands. In Jamaica, for example, Christianity is prominent; however, there are Obeah teachings along with Rastafarian culture that are prevalent and have existed since slavery. Haitians’ belief and practice of voodoo determine many fates due to feelings of nihilism dating back to slavery as well. These religions inspire radical counterhegemonic thinking and behaviors in response to race, gender, family structures, social conflicts, and government laws and customs. Psychologists observe too that such religious ideologies explain the reasons why many Afro-Caribbean persons think, feel, and behave in ways that are anti-society. Some encounter racism, sexism, discrimination, and poverty, which describes why their innermost feelings are one of nihilism and...