cross and the serpent, The
Book Description
In the aftermath of conquest, two profound spiritual worlds collided in the Andean highlands of Peru. Nicholas Griffiths unveils a remarkable story of religious resistance and transformation that unfolded across two centuries, revealing how indigenous communities fought to preserve their sacred traditions against overwhelming colonial pressure.
This compelling historical exploration examines the complex spiritual battlefield that emerged when Spanish conquistadors sought to eradicate native Andean religious practices. Rather than simply documenting persecution, Griffiths illuminates the sophisticated strategies employed by indigenous spiritual leaders who refused to surrender their ancestral beliefs. These native priests, misunderstood by their Spanish oppressors as mere tricksters and charlatans, wielded genuine shamanic powers that colonial authorities failed to recognize or comprehend.
The book reveals how Andean communities developed ingenious methods of resistance, turning the very legal systems designed to destroy them into tools for their own purposes. Underground networks preserved essential spiritual practices while adapting and evolving in response to relentless pressure. Through this process of creative survival, traditional Andean religion underwent profound transformations that allowed it to endure and renew itself.
Griffiths presents a nuanced portrait of cultural resilience that speaks to anyone interested in understanding how spiritual traditions survive under extreme adversity. This scholarly yet accessible work offers valuable insights into the enduring power of indigenous wisdom and the complex dynamics of religious encounter and adaptation.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~10 hours)
📄 Length: 355 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Catholic church, missions
- ✓ Explore Indians of south america, social conditions
- ✓ Explore Persecution
- ✓ Explore Indians, treatment of, latin america
- ✓ Explore Catholic Church
- ✓ Explore Social conditions
- ✓ Explore Indians of south america, religion
- ✓ Explore Freedom of religion
