Religion vs. Politics in Benin: The Heavenly Church of Christ as a Sharp Opposition to the Syncretism of Catholic Christianity and Vodun
Abstract
The paper presents problematic social relations in the field of interfaith dialogue, Benin politics and Benin society in general in relation to the West African Vodun, the Heavenly Church of Christ and the unique syncretion of Catholic Christianity and Vodun in Benin. The aim is to present the Christian-Vodun syncretion and the attitudes of the Heavenly Church of Christ, and to point out their aggravated relationship, despite the fact that their services in Benin are often held openly in public, often very close to each other.
Social relations between believers in these religions are often strained and attempts at interfaith dialogue are often unsuccessful. Without stabilizing the social plane of life, the development and poverty alleviation of one of the poorest countries in the world is very challenging.