American Voudou

By Rod Davis

Book Description

Rod Davis embarks on a fascinating journey through America's spiritual underground, tracing the authentic roots and contemporary practice of voudou from the bayous of New Orleans to the vibrant communities of Miami. This exploration cuts through decades of misconceptions and Hollywood distortions to reveal a living religious tradition that has quietly shaped American culture for generations.

Through intimate encounters with practitioners, believers, and skeptics, Davis unveils a complex spiritual landscape where ancient African traditions merge with New World realities. The narrative weaves together personal stories of faith, survival, and cultural preservation, offering readers a window into communities that have maintained their sacred practices despite centuries of persecution and misunderstanding.

The book examines the intricate dynamics between Cuban and African American communities as they navigate questions of religious leadership and authentic practice. These tensions illuminate broader themes about identity, belonging, and the evolution of spiritual traditions in multicultural America.

Davis presents voudou not as exotic folklore but as a resilient faith system that continues to provide meaning and community for its followers. His investigation reveals how this often-maligned religion has endured as perhaps America's most persecuted spiritual path, yet maintains its vitality and relevance.

For readers seeking to understand the hidden spiritual currents that flow beneath mainstream American culture, this chronicle offers profound insights into religion, race, and the enduring human quest for connection with the divine.