Voodoo: The Role Of Black Religion In Colonial America

Lastly, mixing in with these three “African-based commodities” was a component of European – American stock, the preacher. On the black plantations he was referred to as an “exhorter.”

Every plantation had an exhorter, men who got the spirit and preached the Word – with or without training or guidance at all. It would not be surprising if the conjurer, the exhorter and the black preacher in some cases were all the same person! 7

The spiritual recipe which Louisiana’s slaves used was a mixture of all of the aforementioned African ingredients. Furthermore, to the slaves, all these fell into the “normal category.” Consequently knowing that these had been part of black religion since time immemorial; knowing that Voodoo – conjure among the

Some slaves discovered Afro-Protestantism through black preachers who operated undercover in the slave quarters. Catholic slaves saw that Protestantism offered the “most inviting opportunities” there they found a new lodging place for their soul. Those slaves who retained the spirits of Africa and Voodoo were involved in church services where dancing, singing, clapping and shouting was an integral part of the worship component 14 and was unlike the Catholic liturgy of dignity and solemnity which did not suit the black nature as did Afro-Protestantism, where slaves had the freedom to exercise through dance and song.13
Additionally, arising as a landmark to the blacks was the “camp meeting” which was heavily supported by White southern Protestants. Here numerous slaves found religion – and fell under God’s power.15 In fact Blacks and whites in the South worshipped together on a regular basis in camp meetings. Reports show that “camp meeting revival religion” participation included a variety of classes and colors including both blacks and whites. Black Haitians, African slave blacks and freed Southern blacks worshipped alongside some Methodist and southern Baptist groups who sought out the more enthusiastic