Reading 13- The transformation of religion and culture in colonial societies

religious syncretism

Incorporation of Christianity into the Native's religious beliefs

How did European Christianity mix with traditional African religious and cultural practices (another example of religious syncretism)?

Africans created their own private churches, deeming them Christianity based churches but practice African rituals within them, missionaries had no control over these churches. Africans integrated their own forms of worship within these churches creating the "African Reformation".

How is the process of Christian revival reversing itself in today's world? (Rice and Masci article)

Christian revivals is now more anchored in foreign countries such as Latin America and Arcia rather than in the United States. Many important religious figures will soon become increasingly foreign and churches will be sending missionaries to the United States instead of the other way around. Attracted to the immigrants living in the united states.

What were the attractions of Christianity within colonial societies in Africa?

Christianity was associated to modern education. Oppressed groups found new opportunities and greater freedom in association with the missions. Africans became teachers, catechists and pastors.

Why is Juan Diego's canonization controversial?

Doubters believe he is an invention of the white-skinned friars of the Spanish Conquest, created to win the allegiance of the Natives. Symbolizes the idea that the Spanish conquerors and the Indians they conquered became one nation, indivisible

How was European imperial expansion related to the spread of Christianity?

European countries were trying to spread Christianity when they were exploring and conquering. Missionaries were a massive part of an imperialist movement.

Virgin of Guadalupe

Patron Saint of Mexico, source of their strength, symbol of Mexican nationality

Why has Pentecostalism grown so dramatically in Latin America in recent years and who is attracted to it?

Pentecostalism has successfully absorbed Latin American culture. Music has the same rhythms that people enjoy outside of church etc. Puts a great emphasis on faith healing so many people convert in times of health crisis. Preachers are more closely related with their audience. Has appealed to the poor and the outsiders, gives people hope they can improve their conditions. More recently it has appealed to the middle class professionals with its emphasis on inner healing.

In what ways did European Christianity in Spanish America merge with Native American religious and cultural practices (a process referred to as religious syncretism)?

In some cases, Natives saw the power of Europe and the God they worshipped and completely bought into Christianity; forgetting about their previous beliefs. Some refused to go back on their beliefs and fought tirelessly to protect what they believed in. In most cases, people would blend Christianity with whatever they had always believed in.

What is the Redeemed Church's primary appeal in Nigeria? How does this appeal reflect religious syncretism?

Perfectly suitable to harness the forces of global cross pollination. Preaches that the followers are chosen people covenant with God. Church will spread across the Earth. Church is disciplined, nurturing, and systematic. Produces inspirational movies on DVD, daily text message service. **Offers its followers the chance to harness otherworldly forces.** Becoming saved protects you from the curses and spells of sorcery that Africans blame for misfortunes.

What impact did Western education have on colonial societies?

Reading and writing seemed like almost a magical power. Within the colonial setting, it could mean an escape from the obligations of living under European control, such as forced labor. It meant access to better paying positions. An opportunity to achieve or approach equality with white. Gave people elite status in their own society.

How is Christianity practiced differently in Africa?

Services are upbeat, almost evangelical like homilies on God's glory. Engage in political debates over things like homosexuality and use of condoms as contraceptives to fight AIDS. Colorful and musical worships with the belief in the supernatural presence in everyday life. People clap and holler in praise. Collapse to the floor and bury their head in the carpet.

The early modern era of world history gave birth to what two intersecting cultural trends that continue to play out in the twentieth century?

The first was the spread of Christianity to Asians, Africans, and Native Americans, some of whom now seem to be returning the favor. The second was the emergence of a modern scientific outlook, which sharply challenged Western Christianity even as it too acquired a global presence.

Why did missionary teaching and practice also generate conflict and opposition?

When they touched on gender roles. Female nudity offended Western notions, males with additional wives, marriages between Christians and non-Christians, sexual activity outside of marriage.

Where do more than 60 percent of the world's professing Christians now live?

outside of Europe in North America

Pentecostalism

relating to or denoting any of a number of Christian movements and individuals emphasizing baptism in the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues, prophecy, healing, and exorcism.

How is the Virgin of Guadalupe an example of religious syncretism? What is her appeal to the Mexican people?

was put up in the year of the first great uprising against Spanish rule in Mexico; was seen as a device to convert the indigenous people of the Americas to the Europeans Chruch