Obeah, Christ and Rastaman: Jamaica and its Religion - Softcover

Morrish, Ivor

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0718895282 ISBN 13: 9780718895280

Publisher: Lutterworth Press, 2022

Synopsis

An early study of the Jamaican religious landscape historically and in the postcolonial present. In Obeah, Christ and Rastaman, Ivor Morrish sets out to chronicle the religious history of the Jamaican people. Drawing from a rich, complicated history, Morrish lays out the religious tapestry of Jamaica from its native origins, up through the slave trade and the introduction of Christianity, ending in the nineteenth century with the emergence of traditions that would later become associated with Rastafarianism. Morrish discusses Jamaica's colonial past and culture post-slavery, dispelling myths around African savagery and barbarism that were still persistent around the time of the book's original publication. He also explores the socio-political roots of Rastafarianism and its rise amongst the disenfranchised. Also included is a brief discussion of the immigrant experience of Jamaicans in England, showing how a deeply spiritual people deal with the secular materialism of their former imperial capital. Obeah, Christ and Rastaman is an intriguing artefact of early Afro-Caribbean Studies from a religious perspective. Morrish treats his subject matter with respect and dignity, facing the subjugation of the Jamaican people head on and considering their possible paths to salvation.

About this title

About the Author

Ivor Morrish was educated at Bristol, London and Oxford Universities, graduating in philosophy and economics, theology, and classical Hebrew and Greek. He obtained an academic diploma from the University of London in philosophy, psychology and sociology, as well as founding the Unwin Education book series. During its operative years he held a position of Principal Lecturer in education at Southampton's La Sainte Union College of Higher Education. His numerous publications include Disciplines of Education and The Background of Immigrant Children.

Edition details

• Publisher: Lutterworth Press
• Publication date: 2022
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0718895282
• ISBN 13: 9780718895280
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 136