Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
RELIGION
A Christian Nation
'Potcake' is the Bahamian term for the many skinny-ribbed stray dogs
that wander the Out Islands. The canines got the nickname because
housewives used to leave their cooking pots outside the house so the dogs
could eat the caked-on rice - or 'pot cakes' - at the bottom.
Christianity is a dominant force in the Bahamas, where the overwhelming majority of is-
landers are devout believers who profess to live by the word of God. Virtually every taxi
driver has a Bible at hand, as do many office workers. State functions and the school day
begin with prayers. Church affairs make headline news, while major international events are
relegated to the inside pages. Every political speech is peppered with biblical quotations and
is considerate of the Church's position on social issues.
The Bahamian nation claims the greatest number of churches per capita in the world.
The vast majority of the populace are mainstreamers; Baptists (35%), Anglican/Episcopalian
(15%) and Catholic (14%). The official state religion is the Anglican Church, although some
Christian priests hedge their bets and mix a little good-willed obeah (folk magic) into their
practice.
Every island is a veritable jumble of chapels and churches, usually Baptist revival centers,
referred to as 'jumper churches' by locals. Often you'll see as many as a dozen churches in
settlements with barely 200 people. Most of these churches are maintained with much love
and with money the congregation can ill-afford.
WHOSE FAMILY?
The term 'Out Islands' or 'Family Islands' refers to all the Bahamian islands ex-
cept New Providence and Grand Bahama. The 'family' in 'Family Islands' refers
to the fact that nearly all Bahamians, most of whom live in Nassau or Freeport,
have families back on the more remote, less developed islands, such as Abaco,
Eleuthera or Andros.
Sundays really are blessed days, when businesses outside main tourist centers are closed.
Bahamians normally dress up to show respect even if they are working (as with Nassau's
taxi drivers) and the churchgoers are resplendent in big hats and shiny new suits.
