Miguel A. De La Torre is assistant professor of religion at Hope College, Holland, Michigan.
ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards, Finalist, Religion
(2004)
Choice Magazine, Outstanding Academic Book (2005) South Florida
Sun-Sentinel
"The author, who grew up in the Santeria faith, provides insight
into the myths, rituals, worldview, history and cultural influence
of the Afro-Cuban religion. Neither condemning nor condoning, he
seeks to provide the information and context necessary to prompt
discussion and understanding between Santeria believers and
Christians." Booklist
"Writing as both an academic outsider and a privileged former
insider, De La Torre retells Yoruba myths clearly and expressively,
and his analysis of religious syncretism is both scholarly and
accessible. Detailed descriptions of the various manifestations of
each orisha make this one of the most comprehensive books on the
subject, while the complex issue of Santeria ritual, which can
include animal sacrifice, is handled unsensationally but vividly.
This book should be part of any collection intended to represent
the breadth of American religious experience." Anthony M.
Stevens-Arroyo
"Miguel De La Torre has performed the almost magical academic feat
of balancing the objectivity of a trained observer with the
insights of an insider. He leads his readers on a historical,
theological, and cultural journey that goes to the heart of this
rich religious tradition unfolding within a rapidly changing
American society." Library Journal
"De La Torre succeeds fully in giving us the best general
introduction to Santería, an Afro-Cuban folk religion brought to
the United States by Cuban refugees after Castro's 1959 revolution.
. . He draws on both lived experience (having grown up in the
religion) and scholarly expertise . . . to strike just the right
balance between the personal perspectives of the faithful and the
distance of a non-believing scholar. . . Strongly recommended."
Religious Studies Review
"A well-balanced presentation of a complex religious system that is
continually growing and beginning to attract educated middle-class
Euro-Americans."
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