Michael Amoruso
Assistant professor of religious studies at Occidental College. His work uses ethnography, religious studies, and urban studies to consider devotion to souls.
Best podcasts with Michael Amoruso
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Jul 6, 2025 • 1h 9min
Michael Amoruso, "Moved by the Dead: Haunting and Devotion in São Paulo, Brazil" (UNC Press, 2025)
Michael Amoruso, an assistant professor of religious studies at Occidental College, delves into the deeply layered practice of devotion to souls in São Paulo. He discusses how this ritual intertwines with urban life, allowing the living to connect with the dead across diverse cultural landscapes. Amoruso explores the shift from focusing on ayahuasca to this collective mourning, emphasizing its role in memory and social identity. Listeners are eager to learn about the syncretism between various faiths and the vibrant social movements shaping Brazil’s spiritual tapestry.
Jul 6, 2025 • 1h 9min
Michael Amoruso, "Moved by the Dead: Haunting and Devotion in São Paulo, Brazil" (UNC Press, 2025)
Michael Amoruso, an assistant professor of religious studies at Occidental College, explores haunting and devotion in São Paulo. He discusses the city's unique ritual of devotion to souls, blending Catholic and Afro-Brazilian traditions. Amoruso introduces the concept of 'mnemonic repair,' illustrating how these practices connect the living to the dead amidst urban violence. He also highlights the significance of community activism in preserving cultural heritage, revealing São Paulo's hidden histories and the impact of diverse spiritual beliefs on social identity.
