From Library Journal
Vecsey (editor, Handbook of American Indian Religious Freedom, Crossroad, 1991) begins a three-part work on the missionization and understanding of current Indian Catholics. He traces over 500 years of acceptance, resistance, and ambivalence toward Christianity by Native Americans, demonstrating the history and contemporary expressions of faith of Catholic Indians in Mexico and the southwestern United States. The papal apostolic power given to the "discoverers" of the New World over non-Christian lands enabled the conversion to begin in the Caribbean islands. Vecsey traces the history of the conquest of Indians by Christianity through forced conversions, creation of serfs, diseases, and destruction of native culture. He manages to interrelate history with the current practice of Catholic Indians. His work is scholarly; recommended for large collections.?Leo Vincent Kriz, West Des Moines P.L., Iowa
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
