EXAMINATION HINTS

2009 examine the extent to which religious beliefs have affected the lives of followers in the Caribbean. Support your response with reference to ONE religion in a named Caribbean society and its impact on TWO of the following aspects of social life: economic, cultural, political, mass media and technological Religion can be defined as a system of beliefs, practices and philosophical values that are collectively held. It reinforces norms and values, promotes solidarity and equality and even brings about consensus as well. Religion can also be seen as the secondary agent of socialization. It brings comfort, guidance to individuals to deviate from nefarious acts and also gives individuals hope in the afterlife.
Religious beliefs within the Caribbean, has influenced many within the Caribbean. Religious beliefs help man to comprehend the questions that he may not know the answers to. Talcott Parsons argues that in everyday life, people go about their business without a particular strain, if it were always like this, religion would certainly not have the significance that it does today. However, he believes that the problem that disrupts it falls into two categories. Firstly, ‘hit’ this is where individuals are faced with problems in life that they themselves are unable to foresee Eg death. Parson sees religion however as a mechanism for adjusting to the situation faced and as a means of restoring back to the normal pattern of life. Secondly, ‘uncertainty’ this occurs where individuals trying efforts and hard work are put in place to attain a successful outcome, but uncontrollable factors threaten such Eg bad weather conditions on crops.
Religious beliefs guide individuals into choosing the right alternative to decisions being made, they alter individuals lives and gives them hope for the trials in life which they may face. According to Marxist perspective, religion can dull the pain of oppression. It promises a paradise of eternal bliss in the afterlife. The Christian’s vision of heaven can make the life on earth a more bearable place to reside, giving them something to look forward too. Many religions show that those who bear a poor, humble and dignified life here on earth will surely be rewarded in the afterlife. According to a famous biblical quote, it is said that ‘it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven.’
Shango can be seen as one of the religions that were seen as Creole to Trinidad and Tobago. It contains elements of the Yoruba tradition, Baptist community and other Christian faiths. It is mainly populated with individuals who are of Afro Caribbean descent and it is a faith that is rapidly growing within Trinidad and Tobago. Shango as well as many other religions, believe in the ‘possession of the spirits’ and sacrifice of animals. It was a religion that was well represented by the African slaves. There are also middle class involvements when the Shango practioners are conferred for health, marriage, visions, dreams, herbs and even healing remedies. Shango Baptist’s impacts on two of the following aspects of social life within the Caribbean are cultural and political. The cultural influence of Shango Baptist pertains to the way they burry their loved one, the way they attire themselves, the procedures behind their marriages, how they celebrate the public holidays given to them, the things they do and don’t consume and even the certain herbal remedies used for special occasions and even to cure symptoms.