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The Encyclopedia of Caribbean Religions. Edited by Patrick Taylor and Frederick I. Case. Champaign: University of Illinois Press, 2013. Pp. 1192. Photographs. $250.00 Cloth.
This is easily the most comprehensive and impressive encyclopedic work on religions in the Caribbean (and probably on any other subject in Caribbean studies) that I have encountered. The impressiveness of the work derives from its bringing together the expertise of a host of scholars working on a broad spectrum of religious traditions, topics, and issues. These include scholars in religious studies, philosophy, sociology, anthropol- ogy, cultural studies, ethnomusicology, art history, and language and literature.
As would be expected, the major Christian and Judaic traditions transplanted to the Caribbean from Europe and the United States are appropriately represented among the entries. African-derived traditions such as Vodou, Santería, Orisha, Abakuá, Palo Monte, and Kumina that have adopted themselves to the Caribbean milieu are ably treated. Revivalism, Spiritual Baptist Faith, Rastafari, Mita Congregation, and other traditions that have emerged out of the interplay of religious influences in the Caribbean are duly represented. Islam, Hinduism, Chinese religions, and Japanese reli- gions, and...