The Sun God and Christ: The Christianization of Mexican Indians
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: Guy Stresser-Péan, Le Soleil-Dieu et le Christ. La christianisation des Indiens du Mexique
The journal “Archives of Social Sciences of Religions” publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (“Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales”)
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Subtitle: Préf. de Jacqueline de Durand-Forest. Paris, L'Harmattan, coll. « Recherches Amériques latines », 2005, 568 p. (+ DVD « Fête du maïs »)
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Rodolfo de Roux
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly”)
Full text available for: Guy Stresser-Péan, Le Soleil-Dieu et le Christ. La christianisation des Indiens du Mexique
Year: 2006 | Doi: 10.4000/assr.4054
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The work "Le Soleil-Dieu et le Christ. La christianisation des Indiens du Mexique," written by Guy Stresser-Péan and prefaced by Jacqueline de Durand-Forest, was published in 2005 by L'Harmattan as part of the "Recherches Amériques latines" series. This extensive volume of 568 pages, accompanied by a DVD titled "Fête du maïs," draws from numerous ethnographic investigations and extensive readings focused on the culturally rich and diverse region of Sierra Norte de Puebla, inhabited by communities such as the Totonaques, Otomis, and Nahuas. Stresser-Péan's research seeks to explore the historical process of the Christianization of Central Mexican Indians while emphasizing their active role in this transformative experience.
The Role of Syncretism in Indigenous Beliefs
A significant concept in Stresser-Péan's work is the syncretism between indigenous traditions and Catholic teachings. Unlike previous studies, such as Robert Ricard's historical analysis, which suggested that paganism was eradicated and only superficially influenced popular Catholicism, Stresser-Péan offers a deeper insight into how indigenous beliefs persist and evolve. He illustrates how the converted Indigenous people of Sierra Norte de Puebla incorporated their pre-Hispanic notions into their new Christian context. Specifically, figures from their traditional narratives, such as the great water lord and the spirit of maize, were reinterpreted and merged with Christian figures like the Christ, further illustrating the blended religious framework that surrounded the Indigenous people's beliefs.
Conclusion
Stresser-Péan concludes that this syncretism in the Sierra Norte de Puebla is profound and multifaceted, affecting all aspects of religious life, including rituals, dances, and abstract concepts of divinity and the afterlife. The author asserts that this blending of beliefs began as early as the 16th century, during a relatively calm period of religious conciliation, which starkly contrasts with the repressive and conflicted atmosphere that characterized early colonial Mexico. The work serves not only as a historical account but also as a nuanced exploration of the active involvement of Indigenous peoples in their own conversion processes, reflecting a dynamic interplay between old and new beliefs.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main theme of Guy Stresser-Péan's book?
The book explores the Christianization of Indigenous peoples in central Mexico, focusing on their active participation and the ongoing influence of pre-Hispanic beliefs in their religious practices.
How does Stresser-Péan's work compare to Robert Ricard's?
While Ricard presents a Spanish perspective on the swift conversion process, Stresser-Péan offers an Indigenous viewpoint, emphasizing the diachronic evolution of beliefs from the 16th century to today.
What syncretic elements are present in the Indigenous beliefs?
Indigenous peoples have integrated pre-Hispanic figures and narratives, such as the water lord and the maize god, with Christian themes, creating a unique blend of traditions within their religious practices.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “The Sun God and Christ: The Christianization of Mexican Indians”. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.
1) Indian:
The term 'Indian' refers to the indigenous peoples of Mexico, specifically the ones encountered by Spanish colonizers. In the context of Stresser-Péan's work, it highlights the active role these Indians played during the Christianization process and how they integrated their pre-Hispanic beliefs with new religious concepts introduced by European colonizers. Indian perspectives are essential for understanding syncretism.
2) Religion:
Religion is a system of beliefs and practices centered around spiritual matters. In this manuscript, religion is examined through the lens of the Indian experience during the transition from pre-Hispanic traditions to Christianity, showcasing how indigenous beliefs have been incorporated into Catholicism, creating a unique syncretic religious identity among the Indians of the Sierra Norte de Puebla.
3) Forest:
[see source text or glossary: #Forest#]
4) Pari:
[see source text or glossary: #Pari#]
5) Spiritual:
The term 'spiritual' relates to the non-material aspects of human existence and beliefs, particularly in understanding the nature of the soul and the afterlife. Stresser-Péan's analysis shows how the Indians of Sierra Norte de Puebla developed a spiritual framework that intertwined their pre-Hispanic beliefs with Christian concepts, highlighting the spiritual evolution from indigenous traditions to Catholicism.
6) Conquest:
Conquest refers to the domination and colonization of one culture over another, often resulting in significant cultural exchanges. The 'Spiritual Conquest' of Mexico discussed by Ricard points to the historical imposition of Christianity on the indigenous populations, while Stresser-Péan's work illustrates how this conquest led to a complex interplay between indigenous beliefs and Christian doctrines.
7) Abstract idea:
An abstract idea represents concepts that lack physical substance, such as beliefs about God or the soul. In the context of Stresser-Péan's study, the merging of native and Christian beliefs resulted in new abstract ideas among Indians, particularly in understanding divine figures and their roles in the world. This shows the adaptability of indigenous thought in a changing religious landscape.
8) Agriculture:
Agriculture is the practice of cultivating the soil, growing crops, and raising animals for food. The significance of agriculture emerges in Stresser-Péan's work through the character of the young spirit or god of maize, who played a pivotal role in teaching the Indians vital agricultural practices that blended with their spiritual and religious life, ultimately connecting their sustenance and belief systems.
9) Doctrine:
Doctrine consists of the set of beliefs or teachings that are upheld by a religious group. In the context of the book, Christian doctrine is intertwined with indigenous beliefs, creating a syncretic theology among the Indians of the Sierra Norte de Puebla. This unique amalgamation shows how the doctrine was adapted within the local spiritual framework rather than replaced.
10) Dialogue:
Dialogue refers to the exchange of ideas and perspectives. In 'The Sun-God and Christ,' Stresser-Péan engages in a dialogue with past scholarship, particularly Ricard’s work, to present a more nuanced understanding of the interactions between indigenous beliefs and Christianity, emphasizing the voices and beliefs of the Indians rather than a one-sided narrative.
11) Peaceful:
Peaceful conditions refer to an absence of conflict, which characterized the later stages of the Christianization process in Sierra Norte de Puebla. Stresser-Péan posits that this relatively peaceful transition allowed for syncretism to flourish, leading to sustainable incorporations of Christian and indigenous elements in religious practices, contrasting with earlier violent conquests.
12) Nature:
Nature pertains to the physical world and its phenomena. In Stresser-Péan's analysis, the symbolism of natural elements, such as water and maize, highlights the integration of indigenous understanding of nature within the framework of Christian beliefs, illustrating how the Indians reinterpreted natural forces as part of their spiritual narratives and practices.
13) Heaven:
Heaven represents a spiritual realm often associated with divine presence. In the context of the findings, the Indians of Sierra Norte de Puebla assimilated Christian views of heaven into their existing cosmologies, where figures like the sun took on a dual role, being seen as both a natural phenomenon and a symbol of divine aspiration and reward after life.
14) Earth:
Earth symbolizes the physical realm inhabited by humans. In Stresser-Péan's work, the reshaping of the earth by divine figures after the flood reflects indigenous beliefs about creation and order, intertwining with Christian views. This duality showcases the ongoing synthesis of both indigenous and Christian narratives within their understanding of existence.
15) Human:
Human refers to the characteristics or experiences that define humanity. In the study, the depiction of the young spirit or god of maize teaching agricultural practices to humans reveals how indigenous narratives shaped the understanding of human existence in relation to divine teachings, emphasizing the harmonious coexistence between earthly life and spiritual beliefs.
16) Soul:
The soul denotes the immaterial essence of a person, often linked to spirituality and the afterlife. Stresser-Péan’s exploration of syncretic beliefs includes how indigenous perceptions of the soul influenced Catholic views of salvation and eternal life, demonstrating the profound yet complex belief systems developed by the Indians as they integrated new religious ideas.
17) Book:
Book refers to the written work authored by Guy Stresser-Péan that explores the Christianization of Mexican Indians. It serves as a critical resource for understanding the historical processes of religious change and the evolving relationship between indigenous beliefs and Christianity, highlighting the significance of both in shaping identity and cultural practices among the Indians.
18) Atam:
Adam, representing a key biblical figure from the Genesis narratives, is incorporated into the worldviews of the Sierra Norte de Puebla Indians. Stresser-Péan illustrates how the Genesis story became part of their historical understanding and was intertwined with cultural narratives, reflecting the fusion of indigenous beliefs with Christian teachings regarding creation and humanity.