What was the nature of the universe to the Spanish? [Spanish beliefs]
Note: Nature of the universe refers to people’s beliefs about meaning and existence, whether the world is good or bad, etc.
I can not find anything in my textbook. Please help!!
By the way, I'm comparing the Aztecs with the Spanish in this assignment. In case it helps, this is what I wrote on the same question for the Aztecs:
Nature of the universe:
Believed everything and everyone was neither completely good nor
absolutely evil - they thought that the universe was two-sided and had
different personalities
“The Spanish” when?
BC?
Before about 400 AD?
After about 400 AD?
“When” makes a difference. Before or after the advent of the Catholic Church?
Sorry about that! In around 1500, according to my textbook
During the Reconquista
To understand the beliefs of the Spanish regarding the nature of the universe, we can explore historical sources and cultural contexts of the time. The Spanish worldview was heavily influenced by their predominant religion, which was Christianity, specifically Roman Catholicism. Here are a few key aspects to consider:
1. Christian Doctrine: Spanish society during the time of Spanish exploration and colonization in the 15th and 16th centuries was deeply rooted in Christian doctrine. The Spanish believed in a monotheistic God, who created the universe and defined good and evil. They also believed in the existence of angels, demons, and an afterlife.
2. Divine Purpose: Many Spanish intellectuals, theologians, and explorers saw the Spanish conquest of the New World as part of a divine plan. They believed that spreading Christianity among the indigenous populations was a sacred duty and a means of saving souls. This religiously driven perspective shaped their understanding of the purpose and interconnectedness of the universe.
3. Dualism: In Christian theology, there is a concept of dualism, which suggests that the universe is in a constant struggle between good and evil. The Spanish believed in this conflict, seeing the indigenous cultures they encountered as primitive and pagan, while viewing their own civilization as enlightened and divinely guided.
4. Natural Order: The Spanish also believed in a hierarchical natural order, where humans were considered superior to the rest of creation. They saw themselves as custodians of the Earth, responsible for its development and exploitation. This perspective influenced their actions toward the natural environment and indigenous societies.
To gain a deeper understanding of this topic, you may want to consult additional sources such as historical texts, journals of Spanish explorers, and works of Spanish theologians from that period. This will provide you with a more comprehensive view of the Spanish beliefs regarding the nature of the universe during that time.