Bartolome de las Casas was a 16th-century priest who arrived as a colonist in the early years of the Spanish conquest of America. He was appointed first Bishop of Chiapas (now Chiapas, Mexico) and referred to as “Protector of the Indians.” He is especially remembered because of his efforts to improve the treatment of the indigenous people in the colonies.
Question 1:
Las Casas argued against those who believed that Indians were a primitive race, and as such needed to be subjugated by force for their own good. This was the view of scholars like Sepulveda. Las Casas, however, argued that the development of Indian people was parallel to that of many major cultures around the world. He claims that:
- The Indians selected men of high virtue to be their gods, unlike cultures like the Greeks or Roman, who chose imperfect gods. He argues this implies that the Indians have a better understanding of “godliness” and therefore would not be difficult to convert.
- They had good laws and customs, such as successful marriages and coronations of rulers.
- Their industries employed specialized people, with societies being able to cover everybody’s needs.
Question 2:
Las Casas’ ethical arguments were also powerful. He argued that Indians were children of God, and should be treated as such. He also claimed that they were good at heart; with good feelings and not deceitful. Therefore, they had the right to be taught the doctrine of God as any other good person would.
He also argued that Indians were made by God. Everything they were was intended by God, and he gave them their resources for them to use them as well as they could. They used them in a particular way, but were intelligent enough to be taught better ways.
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