Yale University Library Research Guides: Latinx and Latin American Christianity: Other Religious Groups

Latinx Religious Experience

Latina/o Healing Practices: Mestizo and Indigenous Perspectives by Brian McNeill (Editor); Jose M. Cervantes (Editor) Focuses on the role of traditional or indigenous healers, as well as the application of traditional healing practices in contemporary counseling and therapeutic modalities with Latina/o people.
Latino and Muslim in America: Race, Religion, and the Making of a New Minority by Harold D. Morales Follows the lives of several Latino Muslim leaders from the 1970's to the present, tracing their efforts to organize and unify nationally in order to solidify the new identity group's place within the public sphere.
Botánicas by Joseph M. Murphy An exploration in text and photographs of spiritual shops found in Latino neighborhoods throughout the United States. Readers discover these marvelous spaces and their alternative spiritualities that help patrons cope with the grind and challenges of city life.

Santeria: Correcting the Myths and Uncovering the Realities of a Growing Religion by Mary Ann Clark An overview of Santeria, one of the most popular Afro-descendant religions in Latin America.
Santeria: The Beliefs and Rituals of a Growing Religion in America by Miguel A. De La Torre A guide to the history, beliefs, rituals, and culture of Santeria, with a focus on its practice in the United States.
Santeria Healing: A Journey into the Afro-Cuban World of Divinities, Spirits, and Sorcery by Johan Wedel An ethnography inside the world of Santería healing, drawing upon extensive fieldwork in contemporary Cuba.
Santeria: African Spirits in America (Online) by Joseph M. Murphy A description and insightful analysis of this African/Cuban religion.

Vodou in the Haitian Experience (Online) by Celucien L. Joseph (Editor) Studies comparatively the connections and relationships between Vodou and African traditional religions such as Yoruba religion and Egyptian religion.
Vodou in Haitian Life and Culture (Online) by Claudine Michel (Editor); Patrick Bellegarde-Smith (Editor) This collection introduces readers to the history and practice of the Vodou religion, and corrects many misconceptions. The book focuses specifically on the role Vodou plays in Haiti, where it has its strongest following, examining its influence on spiritual beliefs, cultural practices, national identity, popular culture, writing and art.
Searching for Africa in Brazil: Power and Tradition in Candomblé (Online) by Stefania Capone Laffitte; Lucy Lyall Grant (Translator) Argues that there is no pure or orthodox Afro-Brazilian religion. Challenging the usual interpretations of Afro-Brazilian religions as fixed entities, completely independent of one another, Capone reveals these practices as parts of a unique religious continuum.
Secrets, Gossip, and Gods: The Transformation of Brazilian Candomblé (Online) by Paul Christopher Johnson A look at the development, beliefs, and practices of Candomblé and exploring its transformation from a secret society of slaves--hidden, persecuted, and marginalized--to a public religion that is very much a part of Brazilian culture.