Religion in Latin America: A Documentary History

The book arrived promptly and provides a thorough selection of sources for the history of religion in Latin America, if anything more thorough on non-Catholic than Catholic sources.

I am not a Latin American or religious historian so I don't pretend to have any expertise in these areas. I am not even a formal student of these disciplines. I am reviewing this book as a academic outsider with little or no prejudices regarding this particular field of study. I am a scientist and as such I crave serious scientific endeavors in any field. In fact, I am more intrigued by intellectual and scientific honesty than by any enticing book titles or supposed results or conclusions. Penyak & Petry have brought scientific life to an esoteric, although wildly fascinating, historical epoch. The book covers a wide range of issues presented in religious contexts (since religious persons were the record keepers of the times). It is a collection of "stories" about the inevitable clash of European and American cultures and ideologies. The presentation is such that nothing is lost or assumed. The authors provide the "primary sources" with the even more important historical explanations of the methodological constraints. This book will challenge all of your assumptions of history, religion, and Latin America. In spite of the limited data, and the methodological constraints, the parallels to contemporary international relations are chilling. This is one of those books that you will refer to again and again as time goes on. It is only for those that seek serious intellectual pursuits. Reading this book will change your life.

RELIGION IN LATIN AMERICA: A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY is a perfect pick for college-level religious collections seeking a comprehensive survey of the region's religious evolution: it pairs a rich understanding of Catholic influences and origins in Latin America with material on other religions, offering chapters filled with footnoted research and source material from archbishops, researchers, and scholars. From local observances of and reactions to religious holidays to early religious icons' experiences, RELIGION IN LATIN AMERICA is an involving study no spiritual history collection should be without.