Final Writings: Texts Collected and Annotated by Henri Desroche
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: Ultima scripta.Textes recueillis et commentés par Henri Desroche / Texts collected and annotated by Henri Desroche
The journal “Archives of Social Sciences of Religions” publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (“Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales”)
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Henri Desroche
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly”)
Full text available for: Ultima scripta.Textes recueillis et commentés par Henri Desroche / Texts collected and annotated by Henri Desroche
Year: 1974
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The dossier presented by Henri Desroche collects and comments on the final writings of Roger Bastide, a prominent French anthropologist, during the fall of 1973, just before his demise. It highlights the significance of his contributions to anthropology and examines his thoughts on the intersections of cultures, particularly in the context of Afro-Brazilian religions. The collection includes critical analyses and reflections on gender dynamics, religious syncretism, and the evolving nature of cultural identity in Brazil. The purpose of the compilation is to provide insight into Bastide's intellectual journey and to honor his legacy in the field of social sciences.
The Meeting of African Gods and Indian Spirits
One significant concept explored in Bastide's work is the notion of cultural meeting points and syncretism, particularly the convergence of African and Indigenous spiritual practices in Brazil. Through his paper titled "The Meeting of the African Gods and Indian Spirits," Bastide illustrates how cultural exchanges have given rise to unique religious expressions, such as Candomblé and Umbanda. He emphasizes the fluidity of these beliefs, where African deities interact with Indigenous spirits, forming a complex religious tapestry that reflects Brazil's diverse societal structure. This concept underscores the dynamic nature of cultural identity and highlights how spirituality can evolve in response to historical and social changes.
The Class of Color and National Integration
Bastide also addresses the socio-political ramifications of race and religion through his article "Négritude and National Integration: The Middle-Class of Color in Afro-Brazilian Religions." He articulates the complexities faced by people of mixed race in Brazil, examining how their religious practices play a role in both asserting their identity and negotiating their place within a racially stratified society. He argues that the rise of a middle class among Afro-Brazilians has led to a reconfiguration of traditional beliefs and practices, contributing to a broader discourse on national identity and integration. This evolution reflects the ongoing struggle against historical marginalization and the aspirations for recognition and representation within the national narrative.
The Dual Role of the Sacred in Religious Practices
Another crucial concept in Bastide's understanding of religion is the duality of the sacred, operating as both an inspiring force and a regulatory mechanism. In his recognition of "the sacred as a wild force," he presents the idea that while spiritual experiences can be transformative and liberating, they also necessitate structure and discipline to function within society. He contrasts the notions of wild trance and controlled possession, articulating how communities strive to balance spontaneous expressions of faith with the need for communal order and shared cultural meanings. This duality reveals the intricate interplay between personal and collective religious experiences.
Ethnological Perspectives on Transe and Possession
Bastide contributes to the discourse on possession and trance states, focusing on their roles in Afro-Brazilian religious practices. He posits that authentic trance experiences can only exist within a framework of "anti-trance," where rituals and social norms provide a structure for ecstatic experiences. This notion challenges simplistic understandings of religious fervor, illustrating the importance of cultural context in shaping spiritual encounters. Bastide’s insights open conversations around how ecstatic states can be understood as both individual phenomena and communal rites, deeply embedded within the social fabric of believers.
The Split Between the Sacred and Institutional Religion
Bastide further scrutinizes the relationship between the sacred and institutionalized religion, suggesting that the decline of traditional religious systems has led to a resurgence of wild, unruly expressions of spirituality. He contends that such evolution necessitates navigating the tensions between spontaneity and established practices, as these new forms of engagement with the divine push against the boundaries of mainstream religious institutions. By acknowledging these shifts, Bastide emphasizes the need for a re-evaluation of how contemporary societies respond to the complexities of faith.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the reflections and analyses encapsulated in Henri Desroche's compilation serve as a testament to Roger Bastide's profound understanding of cultural dynamics and religious phenomena. His exploration of syncretism, race, and the complexity of the sacred illuminates the intricate ways in which identity and spirituality intertwine, particularly in the Brazilian context. As such, Bastide's work remains essential for scholars engaging with the intersections of religion, culture, and society, highlighting the enduring relevance of anthropological inquiry in understanding human experiences.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
Who compiled the texts of Roger Bastide's last writings?
The texts were compiled by Henri Desroche, gathered during the fall of 1973, which was Roger Bastide's last active season. Only one text is published in full.
What is the main focus of Roger Bastide's last writings?
The writings explore the interactions between African gods and Indian spirits. They discuss Afro-Brazilian religions and integration, highlighting the dynamics of cultural and religious exchanges.
What was the purpose of Bastide's mission in Brazil?
Bastide's mission aimed to study the profound changes in Afro-Brazilian religions due to socio-economic transformations in Brazil, connecting these influences with his previous research on African religions.
What major article did Roger Bastide prepare for Présence Africaine?
The article titled 'Négritude and National Integration' addresses the role of color in Afro-Brazilian religions and the emerging middle class, reflecting on identity and cultural dynamics.
What is the significance of the text 'The Meeting of African Gods and Indian Spirits'?
This text highlights the cultural and religious amalgamation in Brazil. It facilitates understanding the syncretism present in Afro-Brazilian practices and the dialogue between different spiritual traditions.
What challenges did Bastide face during his research in 1973?
Bastide encountered the challenges of adapting to significant social and economic changes in Brazil, as well as the onset of health issues that limited his capacity to complete his research.
How does Roger Bastide view ethnocentrism in science?
Bastide critiques ethnocentrism, urging scientists to transcend their cultural biases in pursuit of truth, stressing the importance of understanding diverse cultures without imposing one's own values.
What does the term 'sacred' mean according to Bastide?
Bastide describes the sacred as an experience that transcends individuals, it must be lived. He distinguishes between the personal experience of the sacred and its religious interpretations.
What themes does Henri Desroche emphasize in the introduction to Bastide's texts?
In the introduction, Desroche emphasizes the themes of cultural interaction, the importance of personal experience in understanding the sacred, and the socio-religious dynamics observed in Bastide's work.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “Final Writings: Texts Collected and Annotated by Henri Desroche”. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.
1) Religion:
Religion refers to a structured set of beliefs and practices often centered on vibrant rituals, celebrations, and the distinct experiences that arise from the human engagement with the sacred. It shapes civilizational transitions and transformations that occur through cultural exchanges and dialogues over intents, desires, and shared understanding.
2) Black:
Black often contextualizes various identities and cultures associated with people of African descent. In the discussions referenced, Black identities reflect a struggle against stereotypes stemming from slavery and are entangled in a narrative of negritude seeking recognition within larger societal frameworks.
3) Trance:
Trance describes a heightened state of consciousness often experienced during religious or spiritual rituals where individuals connect deeply with the sacred. This phenomenon encompasses both wild and controlled expressions in different cultural practices, guiding communities in expressing devotion and existential realization.
4) Experience:
Experience is a central theme, particularly concerning lived realities of individuals in both religious and anthropological contexts. It embodies how humans interpret and interact with the sacred in manifold ways, reflecting personal narratives and social impacts of diverse cultural expressions.
5) White:
White pertains to identities often associated with European ancestry, frequently contrasted against Black identities within discussions of race relations and the socio-cultural dynamics that stem from historical interactions characterized by colonization and cultural hegemony.
6) Book:
A book serves as a vessel for scholarly discourse, encompassing a multitude of narratives, reflections, and findings distilled from various human experiences, knowledge expansions, and cultural insights. The collective works of Roger Bastide illustrate the interconnectedness of human experiences in shaping sociological and religious phenomena.
7) Cult:
Cult denotes a system of religious veneration and devotion, often surrounding particular figures or practices. These manifestations connect to broader cultural and spiritual expressions, encapsulating traditions that articulate the intersection of the sacred with daily life, beliefs, and communal engagement.
8) Possession:
Possession refers to a spiritual phenomenon wherein individuals are believed to be overtaken by supernatural entities or spirits, characterized by embodied experiences that translate deep cultural and religious meanings into lived expressions of faith and communal rituals.
9) Colour (Color):
Color, particularly in sociocultural contexts, signifies both racial identity and symbolic representation within the fabric of society. It underscores the intersection of personal experiences with broader narratives of inclusion, exclusion, and the ongoing evolution of societal norms.
10) Love:
Love encapsulates profound emotional connections, often transcending simple affection to embody deep relational dynamics within the context of shared faith, inter-cultural engagements, and the complexity of human emotions tied to community and belonging.
11) Civilization:
Civilization represents the sum of sociocultural dynamics, historical developments, and transformative interactions among peoples. It is shaped by ongoing dialogues around identity, existence, and the evolution of belief systems as they intertwine with communal and individual aspirations.
12) Slavery:
Slavery denotes a historical institution characterized by the forced subjugation of individuals, predominantly those of African descent, impacting cultural formations and personal identities. Discussions around slavery highlight the enduring legacies and continuing effects on societal structures and individual lives.
13) Discussion:
Discussion is an essential aspect of academic and cultural engagement, facilitating the exchange of ideas that illuminate various dimensions of human experience, particularly in the context of religion and identity. It serves to enhance understanding and foster intellectual growth.
14) Human:
Human relates to the universal characteristics and experiences that define being part of mankind. This term highlights the shared aspects of existence across cultures, social phenomena, and individual experiences within the broader dialogue around sacredness and societal constructs.
15) Dialogue:
Dialogue signifies critical conversations and exchanges of ideas between individuals or groups, shaping their understanding and fostering connections. It plays a crucial role in exploring complex themes like spirituality, identity, and relational dynamics in varying sociocultural contexts.
16) Summer:
[see source text or glossary: #summer#]
17) Memory:
Memory serves as a storehouse of collective experiences and cultural narratives, influencing how communities perceive their identities and evolve over time. It intertwines with cultural practices, rituals, and the legacy of historical events.
18) Cold:
Cold denotes a state contrasting with warmth, commonly used metaphorically to depict emotional distance or detachment. In cultural practices, it represents the controlled, regulated aspects of religious experiences, as opposed to the wild or spontaneous expressions.
19) Celebration:
Celebration embodies the joyous acknowledgment of significant events or beliefs, often performing rituals that enhance community bonding and spiritual practices. It is a core expression of cultural identity and entails both collective and individual dimensions of faith.
20) Servant:
Servant refers to roles within spiritual and religious contexts where individuals support the functioning of religious practices, attending to the needs of the possessed or the divine presence during rituals and ceremonies.
21) Gesture:
Gesture signifies the physical expressions related to cultural and ritual practices, often serving as symbolic acts that convey meanings integral to the shared understanding of spirituality and sacred experiences.
22) Nature:
[see source text or glossary: #nature#]
23) Priest:
Priest denotes a religious figure responsible for performing rituals, maintaining sacred practices, and leading communities in their spiritual endeavors. The role often entails mediating between the sacred and the believers, encapsulating the dynamics of power and responsibility.
24) Blood:
Blood serves as a critical symbol within both religious contexts and cultural narratives, often tied to themes of lineage, identity, and sacrifice. It encapsulates human relationships in the context of ancestry and the shared experiences of existence.
25) Hope:
Hope represents the aspirational aspect of human existence, driving individuals and communities toward future aspirations and transformations. It plays a significant role in spiritual practices and provides a lens through which to engage with life’s complexities.
26) Face (Facing, Faced):
Face symbolizes both the physical representation of individuals and the metaphorical presence of identity within social contexts. It carries implications for visibility, recognition, and the personal aspects of shared cultural experiences.
27) Reflection:
Reflection embodies the process of introspection, facilitating deeper understanding and insights into personal and collective experiences. It plays a pivotal role in shaping knowledge and guiding dialogues around identity and spirituality.
28) Science (Scientific):
Scientific pertains to the methodologies, systematic inquiries, and rational approaches used to generate knowledge. It intersects with discussions around religion and spirituality by examining human experiences through empirical lenses.
29) Knowledge:
Knowledge encompasses the understanding and awareness gained through experiences, education, and dialogue. It shapes how individuals perceive reality and engage with various aspects of life, particularly in contexts of spirituality and community.
30) Mutation:
Mutation refers to the changes and transformations in cultural and societal contexts, particularly within religious practices as they adapt and evolve. It encapsulates the dynamic relationships between tradition and modernity.
31) Marriage:
Marriage signifies a union or partnership often recognized within societal frameworks, embodying not only personal commitments but also cultural and religious implications that shape identities and familial structures.
32) Confusion (Confused):
Confused reflects a state of uncertainty or lack of clarity, often arising in dialogues surrounding spirituality, identity, and human experience. It highlights the complexity intrinsic to understanding multifaceted relationships and phenomena.
33) Pleasure:
Pleasure denotes feelings of enjoyment and satisfaction that arise in experiences, particularly those tied to cultural, spiritual, and social engagements. It plays a vital role in how individuals interact with their beliefs and communities.
34) Ultimate:
Ultimate refers to concepts or experiences perceived as the highest or most significant within a particular context. It often ties back to existential inquiries and the pursuit of meaning in the broader scope of human experiences.
35) Desire:
Desire encompasses the strong feelings of wanting or longing that motivate individuals to act and engage with their environments. It intersects with themes of spirituality, identity, and relational dynamics.
36) Death:
Death serves as a significant theme across cultures, encompassing not only the end of physical existence but also prompting philosophical and spiritual inquiries regarding meaning, legacy, and continuity of the self.
37) Disappearance (Disappeared, Disappear, Disappearing):
Disappearance highlights themes of loss, absence, and the transient nature of existence, often intertwined with cultural narratives and beliefs about legacy and continuity in the collective memory.
38) Initiation:
Initiation marks a transformative process where individuals embark on new stages within cultural or spiritual frameworks. It reflects the entry into deeper levels of understanding and belonging in various communities.
39) Meditation:
Meditation denotes forms of contemplative practices aimed at fostering deeper awareness and connection with the self and the sacred. It often underlies many religious practices, encouraging introspection and spiritual growth.
40) Education:
Education embodies the processes through which knowledge, skills, and values are imparted within societies. It plays a crucial role in shaping cultural identities and facilitating dialogues about spirituality and existence.
41) Imaginary:
Imaginary references the realm of imaginations and visions that shape cultural narratives and spiritual understandings. It helps in understanding how humans navigate their perceptions of reality and the sacred.
42) Language:
Language serves as a fundamental medium through which cultural expressions, beliefs, and communal experiences are articulated. It bridges understanding and conveys the profound meanings embedded in spiritual practices.
43) Garment:
Garment symbolizes the outward expressions of identity and belief systems that reflect individual and collective values within cultural practices. It holds significance within rituals, serving as markers of sacredness.
44) Devotion (Devoted):
Devoted signifies a strong commitment to religious or spiritual practices, underlining the deep emotional connections individuals forge with their beliefs and the accompanying rituals that shape their identities.
45) Debate:
Debate encapsulates the dialogues and discussions surrounding contentious issues or differing perspectives. It fosters critical thinking and reflections on beliefs and experiences that shape cultural and spiritual narratives.
46) Market:
Market signifies the socio-economic context in which cultural and religious practices are exchanged, negotiated, and transformed. It reflects the dynamics between tradition and modernity in the commercialization of beliefs and identities.
47) Future:
Future encompasses the potential and possibilities that lie ahead, influenced by past experiences and current actions. It shapes aspirations, particularly in spiritual contexts where hope motivates progress and transformation.
48) Roman (Roma):
Roman relates to the historical contexts and religious practices associated with the Roman Catholic Church. It represents a significant cultural and spiritual tradition impacting various socio-religious landscapes globally.
49) Horse:
Horse is symbolically linked to spiritual possession where the individual embodies the divine, associating it with both the journey of the soul and the cultural expressions prevalent in specific rites.
50) Magic:
Magic pertains to the mystical practices and beliefs that intertwine with religious experiences, reflecting the intersection of the sacred and the arcane in cultural narratives.
51) House:
House symbolizes not only physical structure but also emotional and spiritual shelters that host familial and communal engagements, often becoming the center for rituals and collective experiences.
52) Woman (Women):
Women represent pivotal figures within spiritual and cultural domains, dealing with both empowerment and the challenges faced against patriarchal narratives that shape societal constructs.
53) Image:
Image denotes the representations and symbols that encapsulate cultural values within spiritual practices, playing a pivotal role in how communities express and cultivate their identities.
54) Dream (Dreaming):
Dream symbolizes the passage between the conscious and the unconscious, offering insights into existential inquiries, aspirations, and cultural narratives woven into the fabric of human experiences.
55) Limit (Limiting, Limited):
Limit delineates the boundaries within which individuals or cultures operate. In spiritual and cultural contexts, it reflects the negotiations between tradition and transformation.
56) Faith:
Faith embodies the deep-seated trust and belief in spiritual principles or deities, serving as a foundation for both individual and collective identities woven through religious practices.
57) Lead:
Lead emphasizes guidance, typically referring to individuals or entities that influence and shape the direction communities take within their cultural and spiritual frameworks.
58) Mind:
Mind encompasses the cognitive and emotional faculties through which individuals interpret and understand their experiences, often interlinked with cultural narratives and religious beliefs.
59) Communication (Communicating, Communicate, Communicated):
Communicate stresses the importance of sharing ideas and experiences, essential in understanding and navigating complex themes within cultural and spiritual dialogues.
60) Prometheus:
Prometheus symbolizes the quest for knowledge and enlightenment, often embodying themes of defiance and liberation within cultural and religious narratives. His myths are invoked in discussions about human existence.
61) Polytheism:
Polytheism denotes the belief in multiple deities, representing diverse cultural expressions and spiritual practices that highlight the multiplicity of perspectives on the divine throughout history.
62) Liberation:
Liberation denotes the quest for freedom from constraints, often framed within socio-political and spiritual narratives, nurtured by both cultural histories and the enduring human spirit.
63) Mysticism:
Mysticism reflects the pursuit of profound connections with the divine or transcendent, often achieved through spiritual practices and experiences that defy conventional understandings.
64) Dimension:
Dimension signifies the various aspects and layers of human experiences encompassing the spiritual, emotional, and social realms—integral in understanding the complexities of existence.
65) Existence:
Existence embodies the state of being, often subject to philosophical and spiritual inquiry, reflecting on the nature, purpose, and meaning of life across various cultures.
66) Creation:
Creation is a fundamental theme within religious narratives, illustrating the origins of life, existence, and the cosmos through diverse cultural interpretations and spiritual insights.
67) Epidemic:
Epidemic pertains to widespread occurrences of phenomena, often resembling the shared experiences or movements that transcend geographical boundaries within cultural contexts.
68) Richness:
Richness conveys the abundance of cultural expressions, spiritual experiences, and historical narratives that contribute to the tapestry of human identities, emphasizing the value of diversity.
69) Child (Children):
Child denotes innocence and potential, representing the continuity of cultural narratives and the shaping of future identities within communities.
70) Identity:
Identity encapsulates the self-perception and social roles that individuals embrace within cultural contexts. It is central to discussions about race, ethnicity, and belonging.
71) Disease:
[see source text or glossary: #disease#]
72) Lineage:
Lineage refers to the historical lines of descent that shape identities and cultural narratives, emphasizing the importance of ancestry and traditions in defining community bonds.
73) Release:
Release denotes liberation from constraints and may refer to spiritual or emotional freedom experienced during rituals. It highlights the dynamics of letting go and transformation.
74) Violent:
Violent expresses the intense and forceful elements that may arise within human experiences or ritual practices, often juxtaposing the peaceful and chaotic dimensions of spirituality.
75) Eternal:
Eternal characterizes concepts or beliefs perceived as timeless, often relating to spirituality and the quest for lasting meaning beyond the temporal constraints of human existence.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 183]