Jean De Lery Thesis

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Recommended: Chapter 2 Native American Religions

Europeans during the 16th Century had made unique technological and intellectual advancements, they expanded their knowledge and continued to spread their dominance across the world. These advancements perpetuated the idea that their race was superior to other races and that they had the right to hold other groups of people accountable for what they saw as transgressions. Europeans felt the need to control and make sure that all groups of people were following their moral state of conducts. In History of A Voyage to the Land Of Brazil, Jean De Lery introduces the main motivation of the Europeans journey to the Americas by emphasizing that it was influenced by Christian values ( Lery 3). This shows how the concept of Christianity is important …show more content…

Lery sees that the Tupinamba and anyone who follows their laws will burn in hell for eternity (Lery 128). Lery claims that,

“ Although the adage of Cicero is held by all as an indubitable maxim that there is no people so brutish, nor any nation so barbarous and savage, as to have no feeling that there is a divinity nonetheless when I consider closely our Tupinamba of America, I find myself somewhat at a loss in applying it to them. Not only are they utterly ignorant of the sole and the true God; what is more, in contrast to the custom of all the ancient pagans (Lery 134).

He feels that their lack of regard for Christianity influences their immoral secular lifestyle. An example of this is when he describes the afflictions that the indian people go through, he finds it appalling that they call out to the “ wrong” god. He is disgustingly fascinated by their culture, especially their religion ( Lery 136). He hold no respect for the american people who do not acknowledge Christianity. He explains that the lives of these atheist are being controlled by the devil and expresses an abhorrence for their life choices ( Lery

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