As the organ squeaks and the black people sing their catholic tunes in the church beside me, I cannot help but feel disappointed in the concerted effort by the American Bible belt to convert these people.
Of course, it is not just the American Bible belt - it is most of the Christian world. Haiti has been a popular pet project for decades. That awful voodoo religion, which everyone in the Christian world abhors, has been targeted by a large number of "aid" groups who visit impoverished countries to aid the people and convert them as well. Cultural identity means nothing to these disrespectful Christians; "saving" these poor people who were not blessed with European but African ancestors is the intended byproduct of their "aid" work. The Christians must save these poor black souls from a life in Hell - and most of these preachers don't seem to agree that Hell is a nice, but cold, place located a few hours north of Oslo in Norway.





But the prevalence and pretentiousness of Christian idolatry in the country - all of the brightly painted buses with big murals which say things like "Jesus is good", "l'amour de Jesus", "God is great", "The Lord and I are one" - make me think that the people are outwardly accepting this religion while maintaining their traditional beliefs in private. It is simply another attempt at colonialism - but Haiti stands out in history as the first oppressed people to successfuly lash out against their colonial oppressors and choose their own destiny - no matter how unfortunate it may be for them.
But perhaps the Christianization of the country, at least outwardly, will allow for a better prosperity. Voodoo is based in ignorance as much as Christianity is - but the difference may be in the proximity. Being so close to America, and the devoutly Catholic Dominicans - and being much worse off than either - they may feel the pressure to convert with the hope of leading a better life.
Haiti lacks a directed government who opposes these soul-salespeople from plying their practice in the country; Haiti's constant uncertainty and uneducated masses are a perfect tablet for the missionaries to etch their beliefs. Without opposition from the government, and little opposition from the people, Christianity has taken hold. The constant pushing of Christian groups from all directions has made this inevitable. For the Haitians to deny the Christians may have led to less aid and a more impoverished country - and the religion will undoubtedly bring better order and a stronger economy to the country.




But at what cost? At a loss of their true beliefs, the animist ones passed down from their ancestors, the very identity of the Haitian people?
Aristide is a priest, and the one most likely to win the next election. It will be his negotiating of the two religions - Voodoo and Christianity, and if the two are allowed to co-exist - which will define Haiti's future cultural identity.


Petionville
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