The Spanish came to the new world determined to make it into a Catholic world. To what extent did they?

Question

accomplish thier goal? Was Latin American Catholicism identical to Catholicism in Europe, what similarities and differences do you see?

Answer 1

The sovereign nation of Spain (and Portugal and England) came to the New World for treasure and territory.

The Spanish crown allowed Catholic missionaries to come along to minister to the explorers and convert the inhabitants.

Catholic doctrine is the same where ever you are.

But the Church also embraces all cultures and these 'accents' can be seen in:
+ The language and style of the liturgies
+ The local saints
+ The architectural styles of Church buildings
+ Local traditions like Quinceañeras

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

>>Was Latin American Catholicism identical to Catholicism in Europe, what similarities and differences do you see?<<

Latin American Catholicism tends to make heavier use of sacramentals, especially home altars/shrines, because as a mission territory, the people were lucky if a priest came by once a year to celebrate Mass. Sacramentals gave them a tangible way to practice the Faith.

Answer 3

It was Universal just like it should be . Now the Liberal Catholics are just like the world wide liberal everything Church but, the Orthodox Catholics are here and there all around the World. We share a lot with the Orthodox of other great faiths too. This is why the Orthodox Churches are gradually coming back together under the Pope. There was a time when the Pope was accused of being a General without any troups but, that is turning around now and we'll see what happens.

Answer 4

They spread the religion, but there definitely was widespread syncretism. However, that has been one of the strengths of Catholicism, is that it takes what a culture has, embraces the ennobling aspects, rejects the base aspects, and melds with the culture. I'd say that Indian practices and traditions (such as Dia de Muertos) show an overlay of Catholic piety and belief, with the underlying Indian understanding.

Answer 5

If you are a reader of history, you will find the Spanish murdered, unarmed people. They raped women and young girls. They also stole gold from the rightful owners. The Catholics are decedents of this same order. It could easily be called the original scoundrels upon the new world. It was a cancer that still exists, with the priests preying upon young boys.

http://www.amaluxherbal.com/the_scandals_of_the_catholic_church.htm

Answer 6

Well, for starters, they stopped the wholesale massacre of the 100,000 or so victims sacrificed every year. That sounds a lot like European Catholicism - nobody needs to sacrifice 100,000 people every year to keep the sun rising every morning.