Forgotten Franciscans

Martin Austin Nesvig is Assistant Professor of History at the University of Miami.

• ContentsPrefaceList of IllustrationsAcknowledgmentsIntroduction1.The Inquisitional Theorist in Defense of Indian EducationAlfonso de Castro, “On Whether the Indians of the New World Should Be Instructed in Liberal Arts and Sacred Theology” (1543)2.The Heretic on the Nativity of JesusAlonso Cabello, “Sermon on the Nativity of Our Lord” (Cholula, December [24?], 1577)3.The Inquisitional Deputy on WitchesDiego Muñoz, “Witness Statements in Celaya About Witchcraft” (1614)BibliographyIndexPreface

“A fascinating collection of writings by early colonial Franciscans. These three pieces give the reader a new and unique insight into the members of the order. These works allow us to glimpse the doctrinal conflicts within the order and to explore the sensitive relationship with the Holy Office of the Inquisition. Far from the saintly lives of the missionaries, these works offer a view of the inner workings of the order and the thought processes of some of its members.”—John F. Schwaller, President, SUNY–Potsdam