1st Edition

Religion, Power, and Society in Suriname and Guyana Hindu, Muslim, and Christian Relations

By R. Kirtie Algoe Copyright 2022
    240 Pages 17 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    240 Pages 17 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    This book surveys the development of the religious landscape in Suriname and Guyana, focusing on the interaction between Hindus, Muslims, and Christians and responses to Christian dominance. It reflects on how and why these religiously diverse Caribbean societies are characterized by relative harmony, whereas interreligious relationships in other parts of the world have been marked by extreme conflict and violence. The chapters explore ideological and institutional dimensions, including the role of government policies, religious demography, religious leadership, and private religious institutions. The author takes a critical stance towards a negative approach to power struggles and offers a perspective that does not necessarily consider religious diversity a hindrance for religious harmony. Making valuable data accessible to scholars in the English language, this volume provides a framework for the study of interreligious relations and for understanding the religious worlds of the Caribbean.

    1 Introduction

    2 Theoretical Framework

    3 Methodology

    4 Evolution of Christian Dominance in Suriname and Guyana

    5 ‘Responses’ and Interreligious Relations in Suriname and Guyana

    6 General Conclusions

    Appendices

    References

    Biography

    R. Kirtie Algoe is a researcher in the Institute for Graduate Studies and Research at Anton de Kom University of Suriname.