Haiti’s Heavenly Army

L’Amee Celeste (the Heavenly Military) is a Haitian spiritual cult. I confess correct listed here and now that I have not viewed most of what I will describe in this essay. Outsiders are not usually in a position to see all the procedures of the Heavenly Army due to the fact of the secretiveness of the movement. It is also important to be aware that the methods in just the movement differs from group to team. It is not a standardized set of techniques and beliefs, but there are many aspects that all of the teams look to include.

Some will be outraged that the Heavenlies teams are explained as a merger of Pentecostal and Voudou techniques. Some will not want any outsider descriptions at all. Aspect of this is from the Haitian tradition, which is enigmatic (as well as a lifestyle of imitation, survival and animism). An enigmatic lifestyle does not want to be understood absolutely by outsiders. So, the Heavenly Army motion is some thing Haitian, and the Haitians never want it to be recognized. It is their possess, and they want to maintain it for themselves.

So, how do I know about L’Amee Celeste? I have used ample time in Haiti that I have made a community of good friends who have faith in me more than enough to explain to me about numerous issues Haitian like the Heavenly Military. These points about the Heavenly Military are for that reason anecdotal relatively than confirmed and observed specifics.

As in several cults, the Heavenly Army teams use robes to detect their devoted. Most of these who use robes choose blue robes. It is a place that requirements to be built that in a country as inadequate as Haiti, any revenue they have is far better desired for food items and necessities fairly than costumes. Nevertheless, to be reasonable, individuals who go to Protestant churches also really feel the have to have to “costume up” in Sunday outfits. Shoes, trousers (or a costume) with no holes, and a white shirt are also an expense for the weak in Haiti. It looks that faith is normally highly-priced for the weak.

The Armee Celeste utilizes indigenous music somewhat than translation church audio from America and other cultural Christian groups. This is a departure from standard Christianity in Haiti.

I’ve neglected to make this point: Haitians are fast and sturdy to say that the Heavenly movement is Haitian! This is stated in a way to let outsiders know that they do not believe that they will need to defend the Heavenly Army. And, element of what helps make the Heavenly Army uniquely Haitian is the music. Outsiders might want to make the relationship involving this songs and Voudou, but the leaders of the motion will reply (if they treatment to respond) that it is just a Haitian expression of their religion in God.

I am advised that the pastors (leaders) generally activate the Holy Spirit in the ladies adherents by touching their genitals. I am informed that in some cases a man or woman is healed by hitting the sick person with sticks.

What I now for guaranteed is that the 1 time I visited a L’Amee Celeste team, the pastor called me to the platform, as would have took place in any Protestant church in Haiti. And, whilst I was there, I did not see the outstanding techniques that I have been advised about. This is the most important rationale why I feel at ease in indicating that they do not treatment to demonstrate their Haitian uniqueness to outsiders.

Or, potentially I have been given inaccurate data by my Haitian pals. All factors are attainable in Haiti.