Catherine Benoît: Body, Gardens, Memories in Guadeloupe Anthropology
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: Catherine Benoît, Corps, jardins, mémoires. Anthropologie du corps et de l’espace à la Guadeloupe
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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Subtitle: Paris, CNRS Éditions – Éditions de la MSH, 2000, 309 p.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Erwan Dianteill
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly”)
Full text available for: Catherine Benoît, Corps, jardins, mémoires. Anthropologie du corps et de l’espace à la Guadeloupe
Year: 2003 | Doi: 10.4000/assr.1185
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The text presents a review of Catherine Benoît's work, "Corps, jardins, mémoires. Anthropologie du corps et de l'espace à la Guadeloupe," published by CNRS Éditions in 2000. The review highlights the thematic richness of Benoît’s examination of the intersections of body, space, and religion in Guadeloupe, focusing on the complexity and dynamism of religious practices in the region. Three main religious currents coexist in Guadeloupe—Catholicism, Hinduism, and various new religious movements—creating a landscape in which individuals fluidly navigate between differing belief systems according to their circumstances.
The Pagan Christianity of Guadeloupe
Benoît’s analysis of "Christianity as Paganism" provides crucial insight into Guadeloupe's religious landscape. She presents Catholicism not as merely a Western import but as a unique blend of Christian and pagan elements, illustrating a continuum between different religious traditions. Her examination of the role of saints and the practice of kenbwa showcases how these entities are perceived not as intermediaries to God, but as connections to the deceased. The text reveals that misfortunes and ailments are often attributed to witchcraft, and the request for protection is directed toward saints, highlighting a distinctive interpretation of spirituality that diverges from traditional Western practices.
The Creation of Santa Radegonde
Benoît delves into the intriguing case of Saint Radegonde, revered as the “guardian of cemeteries” in Guadeloupe. This analysis involves tracing the historical evolution of this figure, revealing how the name and functions associated with Saint Radegonde in the region significantly differ from their European counterparts. The author argues for a “total creation phenomenon,” where the cult surrounding Saint Radegonde embodies an original interpretation rather than a mere reinterpretation of European religious identity. This examination raises critical questions regarding the influence of African traditions on Guadeloupe’s religious practices, particularly in relation to death, sorcery, and purification rituals that do not fit neatly into a Catholic framework.
Conclusion
Benoît's work offers a profound exploration of the religious dynamics in Guadeloupe, particularly through her novel concept of “Christianity as Paganism” and the unique case of Saint Radegonde. By unraveling the complexities and interrelations between African, European, and local beliefs, her research contributes significantly to discussions on creolization and Afro-American religious studies. The text positions Guadeloupe as a vibrant site of cultural and spiritual creativity, countering reductive theories that overlook the intricate tapestry of influences shaping the region's religious practices.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of Catherine Benoît's book?
Catherine Benoît's book explores anthropology related to the body and space in Guadeloupe, discussing themes of creolity, medicine, botany, and religion.
What types of religions exist in Guadeloupe according to Benoît?
In Guadeloupe, three main religions coexist: Catholicism, which Benoît terms 'pagan Christianity,' Hinduism, and various new religious movements.
How does Benoît describe Catholicism in Guadeloupe?
Benoît describes Guadeloupean Catholicism as intertwined with pagan practices, where saints serve as intermediaries between the living and the dead.
What unique ritual does Benoît detail in her book?
Benoît precisely details rituals from pagan Christianity, including an integral séance of divination conducted by a gadèdzafè.
What is the conclusion regarding 'Saint Radegonde' in Benoît's work?
Benoît concludes that the figure of Saint Radegonde in Guadeloupe has transformed considerably from its European roots, representing a complete cultural creation.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “Catherine Benoît: Body, Gardens, Memories in Guadeloupe Anthropology”. 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 in the context of the text refers to the complex interplay between various religious practices in Guadeloupe, which include a blend of Catholicism, Hinduism, and new religious movements, forming the basis of a rich cultural and spiritual landscape.
2) Meditation:
Meditation serves as a focal practice in the exploration of spirituality and the relationship between faith and reason, emphasizing the importance of internal reflection in religious life while also connecting individuals to a deeper spiritual experience.
3) Pakan:
Pagan elements in Christianity, particularly as discussed in Guadeloupe, illustrate a fusion of Christian and indigenous beliefs, resulting in a religious framework that is both distinct and complex, often referred to as 'pagan Christianity.'
4) Philosophy:
Philosophy in the text examines the intertwining of messianic concepts and modern philosophical thought, especially through the lens of Jewish tradition and its implications on the understanding of time and existence.
5) Mysticism:
Mysticism is explored as a branch of spirituality that focuses on direct experiences of the divine, emphasizing contemplative practices that are essential to understanding the deeper layers of religious experience and the search for connection with the sacred.
6) Space:
[see source text or glossary: Space]
7) Paris:
[see source text or glossary: Paris]
8) Spiritual:
Spiritual practices are examined for their role in shaping the identity and beliefs of individuals in Guadeloupe, reflecting a broader engagement with the divine and the community through diverse religious expressions.
9) Hinduism:
Hinduism is presented as one of the key religious influences in Guadeloupe, showing how it interweaves with local spiritual practices, particularly through rituals that invoke Indian deities as part of the cultural fabric.
10) Garden:
[see source text or glossary: Garden]
11) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformation refers to the dynamic process involved in religious practices in Guadeloupe, particularly in how beliefs and rituals adapt and evolve through cultural mixing and personal experiences.
12) Literature:
Literature in this context signifies the meditative texts and spiritual writings that guide practitioners in their religious journey, often serving as substitutes for traditional scriptural readings.
13) Scripture:
Scripture, while vital to religious practice, is notably reinterpreted in Guadeloupian context, where certain texts may take on new meanings and values through local traditions and rituals.
14) Theology:
Theology is explored as the study of the divine, highlighting the complex interactions between different theological frameworks, including mysticism and meditative practices that characterize the spiritual landscape of Guadeloupe.
15) Worship:
[see source text or glossary: Worship]
16) Nature:
[see source text or glossary: Nature]
17) Black:
The experiences and spiritual practices of the Black community in the Americas are examined, particularly their creative religious expressions that arise from historical contexts like the slave trade and inter-community relations.
18) Logic (Logical):
[see source text or glossary: Logic]
19) Faith:
Faith is a cornerstone of the spiritual practices discussed, showing its multifaceted nature as individuals navigate between diverse religious paths and experiences in Guadeloupe.
20) Human:
[see source text or glossary: Human]
21) Book:
[see source text or glossary: Book]
22) Dead:
The concept of the dead is central to the spiritual beliefs in Guadeloupe, where individuals engage with ancestral spirits through rituals and practices that highlight the relationships between the living and the deceased.
23) Spiritual life:
Spiritual life encapsulates the ongoing quest for meaning and connection to the divine, as practiced through various religious forms that interlace belief systems in the Caribbean context.
24) Purification:
Purification rites significant in the context of Guadeloupian spirituality highlight the integral role they play in addressing illness and spiritual disturbances, reflecting a cultural synthesis of various beliefs.
25) Iconography:
Iconography is relevant to understanding the visual representations of saints and religious figures in Guadeloupe, illustrating how these images transform and adapt to local cultural contexts.
26) Metaphysics:
[see source text or glossary: Metaphysics]
27) Communication (Communicating, Communicate, Communicated):
Communication about spiritual journeys and rituals is key in understanding how different faiths engage with one another in Guadeloupe, facilitating an exchange of beliefs and practices.
28) Divination:
Divination practices are essential in Guadeloupean culture, functioning as a means of spiritual guidance and insight into personal challenges, particularly in addressing misfortunes.
29) Experience:
Experience is paramount in religious practice, as it reflects the lived realities of individuals navigating their spiritual paths amidst the rich tapestry of beliefs in Guadeloupe.
30) Medicine:
[see source text or glossary: Medicine]
31) Creation:
Creation is examined as a process within the context of religious practices, where new meanings and identities emerge through the intertwining of different spiritual traditions.
32) Richness:
The richness of religious experiences in Guadeloupe showcases a vibrant interplay of rituals, beliefs, and cultural expressions that enrich the understanding of spirituality in a diverse community.
33) Exercise:
[see source text or glossary: Exercise]
34) Interior:
Interior meditative practices emphasize the significance of personal reflection in spiritual life, allowing individuals to connect deeply with their faith and inner beliefs.
35) Devotion (Devoted):
[see source text or glossary: Devotion]
36) Patience:
[see source text or glossary: Patience]
37) Illness:
Illness in the Guadeloupe context often intertwines with spiritual beliefs, where it is interpreted through a lens that includes both divine intervention and communal relations.
38) Greece:
[see source text or glossary: Greece]
39) Leaf (Leaves):
[see source text or glossary: Leaves]
40) Branch (Branches):
[see source text or glossary: Branch]
41) Wisdom:
Wisdom reflects the understanding gained from both mystical experiences and philosophical inquiries, especially in how individuals approach their spiritual journeys.
42) Debate:
[see source text or glossary: Debate]
43) Indian:
Indian religious influences are critical to the understanding of the hybrid spiritual practices present in Guadeloupe, particularly through Hindu rituals and deities.
44) Botany:
[see source text or glossary: Botany]
45) Future:
The future in the context of spiritual practice is viewed with an element of uncertainty, shaped by both philosophical and messianic considerations of time and existence.
46) Death:
Death signifies a pivotal aspect of spiritual life in Guadeloupe, where practices surrounding it reflect deep cultural beliefs about the relationship between the living and the dead.
47) Heart:
[see source text or glossary: Heart]
48) Cycle:
Cycle refers to the recurring patterns observed in religious practices, notably in the meditative and liturgical contexts that shape communal life.
49) Limit (Limiting, Limited):
[see source text or glossary: Limit]
50) Anti (Amti):
[see source text or glossary: Anti]
51) Cult:
Cult practices in Guadeloupe reflect a blend of local and imported religions, illustrating the negotiation of identities and belief systems among the population.
52) Lead:
[see source text or glossary: Lead]