Haitian Voodoo Predicted Quake?

by Daniel J Gerstle · 2010-02-22 12:54:00 UTC
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Henri Astier wrote a truly interesting story for the BBC on Voodoo in Haiti. Aside from the theological controversy brought out by televangelist Pat Robertson (who implied that Haiti was headed for disaster for making a pact with the devil), Astier's story brings up some interesting questions.

If Haitian voodoo priests like those covered in Astier's story could get forewarnings, would people listen to their cries? Will voodoo supporters advocate for some kind of seismological voodoo early warning system set up? Or, in the aftermath of Haiti's quake, are opportunists going to manipulate people with lies, shrouded in voodoo sermons, to trick them into buying their records, herbs, and blessings?

If you can empathize with the tens of thousands now not only made homeless, but also unemployed, if not disabled, by the Haitian quake and previous conflict and underdevelopment, you might imagine yourself spinning yarns about dark gods as a means for an otherwise troubled soul to make a living. Beware of the likely wave of false voodoo profits rising from the rubble.

At the same time, Christians have apparently flourished in the aftermath of the quake. Many of those going through hardship are seeking something, some form of guidance. Let's just hope that Haitian society manages to navigate this crisis without being exploited by false profits. And that includes musicians claiming to have predicted the quake in order to get press as well as American televangelists who don't know a voodoo curse from their ass.

Photo credit: Jeremy Burgin (Haitian voodoo spirit statues)

Daniel J Gerstle is a journalist, human rights researcher, and humanitarian aid consultant. He is Editor and Chief Correspondent for HELO: The Crisis Story Magazine.
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