212 | Sociology for Caribbean Students Religious prejudice, discrimination and intolerance in the Caribbean [Although religion is often seen as a source of good and unity there are many negative association vith the concept of religion. Some of the ways in which some religious leaders can cause problems is by leading people to become intolerant, prejudiced and discriminatory. First, itis importa ig define these terms: view regarding a religion that is not based + Religious prejudice is 2 preconceived notion or ular religion in negative terms, on reason or experience and generally views a partic + Religious discrimination is the unjust treatment of person or a group based on thet religious persuasion. + Religious intolerance is unwillingness to accept religious views, practices or beliefs that vary from one’s own religion. ‘The unique history of the Caribbean has led to a diverse population where men and women of different cultures, religions and backgrounds live together in one region, However, because of the multi-cultural and multi-ethnic nature of Caribbean societies, it is evident that differences in opinions and beliefs can sometimes lead to animosity and antagonism. Although religious tolerance is embedded as a cornerstone of the diverse Caribbean societies, more mainstream religions tend to cast aspersions on other unconventional religious groups, which vary from their religious dogma. For example, monotheistic religions may denounce or condemn polytheistic religions because they go against their central belief of one God. During the colonial period, non-Christian religions (such as Hinduism, Islam, Orisha and Vodun) were frowned upon and deemed as uncivilized and unrefined. Even today, there are many negative stereotypes associated with some religions, such as Afro-Caribbean religions, because of a ack of understanding or religious prejudice towards these practices. Oftentimes, individuals who belong ‘0 non-Christian religions are often labelled as ‘outsiders’ in the overwhelmingly Christian regio However, and ! more recent times, there have been many att igious persecution intolerance. For example, in 2008 in Trinidad and Tobago, the coun’ highest ad (che Tinie coe) wes renamed, following a landmark judgement in the courts which deemed it as discrimi: © other religions, as both the Cross and the Trinity are pre-eminent Christian symbols worldwide. The new award (the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago) was deemed to be a more ich award fora multi-teligious society such as Tiinidad and Tobago, There h vv also been other ace at eligious tolerance; for instance, some Caribbean states have promored discontinuation of s#4 prayers at government schools in recogn io ra our nition that students of many different religious backs atoryReligion | 213 atvend these schools. Even at national functions and ceremonies, different reli called to offer prayers in an effort to endorse scl ‘pws leas aon ious tolerance. igh attempts have been i Aleho eh i peeve es made to reduce religious intolerance, discriminatory practices still continue coday mpl in the Caribbean, there have been instances of educational institutions and even employers with policies that discourage or prohibit the di nployes readlocks hairstyle associated with ian religion. i the Rastafarian religion. In some countries, there are also government institutions that overtly oppose the wearing of Muslim attire such we as the hijab and burga. Following the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010, there have been accusations against several Christian charities who have denied Vodun followers access to the donations solely because of their religious affiliation; all of these are stark examples of religious discrimination and prejudice, These practices will have negative effects on these groups who will feel isolated and discriminated against simply because of their religious persuasion In Guyana, the constitution makes provisions for religious tolerance and freedom. An individual may, “alone or in community with others, and both in public and in private, share or establish his religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance.” The law also protects the right of individuals to choose and change their religion and to interpret religious beliefs for themselves. There are both public and private religiously affiliated schools, Religious education is compulsory in al private schools with a religious affiliation; however religious education is not taught in public schools whether religiously affiliated or not. Most public schools’ religious affiliations are Anglican or Methodist. All places of worship must be registered with the government to receive formal recognition. Once formally recognized the place of worship falls under legislation governing not-for-profit organizations, which allows the group to conduct financial operations, buy property and receive tax benefits. Religious groups seeking to enter villages for the purpose of proselytizing must apply for and obtain the permission from the village council. The Guyana Defense Force coordinated with civilian religious groups to provide milicary personnel with access to religious services. According to the International Religious Freedom Report for 2013 there were no cases of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief or practice in Trinidad and Tobago. The constitution and government policies and regulations protect religious freedom, The government lends support to the various religious groups in different ways, for example, both non-denominational public schools and religiously affiliated public schools, including schools operated by Catholic, Hindu nts for various religious activities in Trinidad and Tobago. Religious denominational public schools, allocating time when any group with an adherent in the school may provide an instructor. Attendance at these classes is voluntary, and the religious groups represented are diverse. The law prohibits acts chat would offend or insult another person or group on the basis of religion or that would incite religious hatred. Desecration of any place of worship is also prohibited and judicial review is available to those who claim to be victims of religious discrimination. and Islamic groups receive gra instruction is permitted in non-214 | Sociology for Caribbean Students Conclusion sutline of some religions found in the Caribbean was presented. One may at cultures that formed part of Caribbean society introduced their ths have inevitably undergone all the transformational processes produce the multiplicity of religious forms that exists most of the religions of the world are to be found, but In this section, a brief or gather that the various immigrat religions to the region. These fai experienced by other aspects of culture t today. In the contemporary Caribbean, they have undergone some creolization and adaptation. ACTIVITY 5.5 1 Karl Marx asserts that religion is a form of. a) anomie b) animism ©) alienation 4) collective representation 2 Which of the following describes the declining influence of religion on social life? a) Secularization b) Desacrilization ©) Transformation d) Evangelization 3. Which of the following argued that religion's focus on heavenly concerns diverted attention from earthly problems and from needless suffering created by unequal distribution of valued resources? a) Marx b) Weber ©) Durkheim d) MalinowskiReligion | 215 ich of the following religions is 4 Po. 8 religions is not considered to be one of the Abrahamic faiths? b) Islam ) Hinduism d) Christianity 5 Which of the following religious grou Wc ccsiba othe Cables PS was responsible for introducing formal a) Jews b) Muslims ¢) Hindus 4) Christians 6 Which of the following is not an example of an African derived religion in the Caribbean? a) Orisha b) Vodun ) Santeria d) Catholicism ACTIVITY 5.6 1 For any named religion found in the Caribbean, examine i) its origin; iv) its most important rituals; and ii) its basic belief systems ili) its emergence in the Caribbean; y) its demographic significance. 2 Compare the dynamics and beliefs of an ‘imported! religion with those of one considered ‘indigenous’ to the Caribbean. 3 Account for the religious diversity that exists in the Caribbean today. 4 Demonstrate the processes of acculturation and interculturation in any TWO religions of the Caribbean.