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Voodoo Research Paper

1677 Words7 Pages

Ikea Hicks
November 20, 2015
Professor Jensen
Religion Studies 102
What is Voodoo?
When I first looked at the research assignment, I knew within seconds that I would be interested in writing about Voodoo. I choose Voodoo for many reasons! The first reason is that I know a little bit about the religion already and the second reason is that I would like to learn more about it. Besides, it is one of the most misconceived religions of our times. What are the major concerns that come to a person’s mind when they think about Voodoo? What comes to your mind when you think of Voodoo? I bet you and everyone else is thinking alike. You guys are thinking about whether Voodoo is a religion or not or why people practice it because it seems devious to you. …show more content…

Understanding Voodoo’s ministers is very essential. According to Morse, they are two type of persists: good and bad. Morse states, “ The good priests are known as houngans. Houngans are supposed to protect people from evil curses coming from Bokors, who are the bed priests. Bokors can cast a spell on an enemy and create a zombie, but most of the time they employs his magical powers in the form of charms and amulets. These are worn for good luck, to ward off disease, and for protection against the evil eye. The symbol of Voodoo is the Green Snake. The fetishes of the Green Snake are considered by believing Haitians to be infinitely more powerful than the Christian Cross. Houngans are more numerous than Bokors--they are all males. Houngans cure the sick, but they do not participate in black magic, which, as previously mentions is the realm of the Bokors. Although they do not practice it, the houngans know all about the black magic. They must be knowledgeable about evil in order to combat it. In a similar vein, the Bokors know all about the work of houngans…. Although the houngans are more respected, the Bokors are more feared” because Bokors tries to kill you (pg.182). Nevertheless, they are woman who are priests. They are called “mambo”. Unlike Bokors, Houngans and Mambo are morally and ethically discipline because their beliefs are similar to the Ten Commandments: you should treat people equal to yourself. Houngans and Mambo …show more content…

As you can see, Voodoo was definitely not what you were thinking before you read this essay. I have learned a lot throughout this essay while trying to explain it to you. Voodoo is a very unique religion. Voodoo has it pros and cons. Nevertheless, Voodoo has opened my eye not to prejudge any religion. Now, it is your turn to open people eyes by sharing the information you learn. Throughout the essay, I realized that no religion is perfect. No religion is the “true” religion. Everyone have his or her own view of life. Therefore, they will choose the way that is right for them.

Work Cited

Osbey, Brenda Marie. "Why We Can 't Talk To You About Voodoo." Southern Literary Journal 43.2 (2011): 1-11. Academic Search Premier. Web. 1 Dec. 2015.

Morse, Donald R. "Evidence for Voodoo Curses." Journal of Spirituality & Paranormal Studies Oct. 2010: 181+. Academic Search Premier. Web. 1 Dec. 2015.

“Voodoo.” ReligionFacts.com. 10 Nov. 2015. Web. Accessed 1 Dec. 2015.

Radford, Benjamin. "Voodoo: Facts About Misunderstood Religion." Live Science. TechMedia Network, 30 Oct. 2013. Web. 01 Dec.

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