Abstract
This paper focuses on the tension between Roman Catholic teachings about the dignity of the human person and the “doctrine of discovery.” Through a textual analysis of historical documents from the Holy See through contemporary theological claims authored by regional bishops in Latin America. Pope Nicholas V authored Dum Diversas and Romanus Pontifex to establish a a legal framework that colonial powers used to justify land seizure of indigenous peoples. Alexander VI authored Inter Caetera in response to Christopher Columbus to solidify the 15th century Catholic perspective on the relationship between colonial explorers and indigenous individuals they encountered. This perspective was repudiated as early as the 1537 by the papal bull Sublimis Deus and this paper traces the ascendence of the theological affirmation of the dignity indigenous lives and cultures confirmed by the contemporary position of regional bishops and the Holy See.
Presenters
Luke Patrick O ConnellProfessor, Theology, Georgetown University and Georgetown Visitation Preparatory, District of Columbia, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Theology, Colonialism, Catholic, Dignity, Philosophy
