Title
Linking Monks to Massacres: Tales of a 16th-century Reformer
Abstract
The early 16th century saw Spain’s rise as a colonial power, expanding its empire through evangelism and violence. One of the first proponents of that strategy was Francisco Jiménez de Cisneros, leader of the Spanish Inquisition and the most powerful religious authority in Spain. However, Cisneros also reformed many religious institutions, combated corruption within the Catholic Church and promoted a near-heretical re-evaluation of the Bible. In the past, historians have puzzled over the two sides of Cisneros: the humanist reformer and the violent inquisitor. My presentation seeks to resolve this tension by proposing that his repressive and violent actions were a logical fulfillment of his ideals and desire for religious reform. Cisneros’ beliefs and repressive tendencies carried into later centuries, thus my examination of his motives and actions also aims at a greater understanding of Spanish colonial expansion.
Faculty Sponsor
John Cotts
Sponsor Department/Programs
History
Tracks
Politics of Church and State
Terms of Use
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Location
Science 100
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
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Linking Monks to Massacres: Tales of a 16th-century Reformer
Science 100
The early 16th century saw Spain’s rise as a colonial power, expanding its empire through evangelism and violence. One of the first proponents of that strategy was Francisco Jiménez de Cisneros, leader of the Spanish Inquisition and the most powerful religious authority in Spain. However, Cisneros also reformed many religious institutions, combated corruption within the Catholic Church and promoted a near-heretical re-evaluation of the Bible. In the past, historians have puzzled over the two sides of Cisneros: the humanist reformer and the violent inquisitor. My presentation seeks to resolve this tension by proposing that his repressive and violent actions were a logical fulfillment of his ideals and desire for religious reform. Cisneros’ beliefs and repressive tendencies carried into later centuries, thus my examination of his motives and actions also aims at a greater understanding of Spanish colonial expansion.
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