publication

This essay examines the work of two prominent progressive Haitian Theologians: Laënnec Hurbon, a Catholic Theologian and former Priest, and Jean Fils-Aimé, a Protestant Theologian, and their interaction with the Vodou religion. Both thinkers have written prolifically about the three major religious expressions in Haiti and the enduring religious conflict between Protestantism, Catholicism, and Vodou in the Caribbean nation. The history of relations between Christianity—both Protestant and Catholic—and Vodou in Haiti is marked by a high degree of combativeness and hostility. To resolve the religious tension between Haitian Vodou and Christianity, Hurbon has suggested a frank ecumenical dialogue between Vodou, Catholicism, and Protestantism, and carefully demonstrated the legitimation of Vodou in the Haitian experience and life. In the same line of thought, Fils-Aimé has recommended an interreligious dialogue between the two faith traditions, and brilliantly argued for the inculturation of the Vodou faith in Haitian Protestantism and culture. This essay argues for more religious tolerance, pluralism, and religious inclusivism in the Haitian society. It proposes what we have phrased a Christian–Vodouist compromissory tradition to promote greater interreligious dialogue and a more promising interfaith peace between these two major religions in the Haitian society.