''The Religion'' is a horror novel written in 1982 by Nicholas Conde. It explores the ritual sacrifice of children to appease the pantheon of

voodoo Voodoo may refer to: Religions * African or West African Vodun, practiced by Gbe-speaking ethnic groups * African diaspora religions, a list of related religions sometimes called Vodou/Voodoo ** Candomblé Jejé, also known as Brazilian Vodu ...

deities, through the currently used practice of

Santería Santería (), also known as Regla de Ocha, Regla Lucumí, or Lucumí, is an African diaspora religions, African diasporic religion that developed in Cuba during the late 19th century. It arose through a process of syncretism between the tradit ...

. The novel depicts the various deities and personas commonly seen in Santería, and it attempts to explain the connection and differences between Santería(white magic)and Brujeria (black magic). In essence, the novel shows that there is a difference between Santeria and Brujeria, in which Brujeria is the evil force in the novel, where as Santeria is a force for good . This religion is huge, complex and living in our midsts. Sacrifices must be made to save the world, or so they believe. Anthropologist Cal Jamison intends to study 'Santaria' but finds himself hopelessly ensnared. Trying to help a NY cop discover the killers of several children, he gets in over his head and finds his 7-year-old son Chris is in jeopardy. What is the price needed to ensure good? Can he rescue Chris in time? Who are his friends and who are his enemies? Chilling! The novel served as the basis for the 1987 feature film '' The Believers.

References

American horror novels 1982 American novels American novels adapted into films Works about sacrifice Works about Santería New American Library books {{1980s-horror-novel-stub