Matthew V. Cochrane-Logan
Departmental Honors in Religion

“A Forgotten Conquest: A Study of the Spanish Theologian and Missionary, Bartolome de Las Casas, His Relationship to Early Missionary Efforts in Sixteenth Century Latin America, and the Continuing Effects of His Thought on Contemporary Liberation Theology”

The Spanish Conquest of America was dominated by the contradiction of Christian values in a world intended to increase the population in Christ that wa falling short of this goal.  In response, Bartolome de Las Casas attempted to restructure the Spanish missionary efforts in Latin America for the creation of a clear connection between conquest and conversion.  While his message was not immediately embraced, the legacy of Las Casas can still be seen in the culture of contemporary Latin America.  I will explore the many arguments that Las Casas fostered in his capacity as theologian, missionary, historian, and Spanish colonist; and how he combined the four components, into his role as the primary defender of Indian humanity in sixteenth century Spanish America. Today, the tendency of the Latin American people to pick up Las Casas’ ministry and rise above their earthly poverty marks his continuing witness to the valuable spirits of this people to the Christian cause.  I will highlight the modern bridge to Latin America’s past through the theology, history, and witness that Las Casas has provided for the present situation in Latin America.