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In light of his training and the expectations of his superiors, why was Las Casas taking a very risky stand in supporting the American Indians?

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User Tnyfst
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1 Answer

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Friar Bartolomé de las Casas was convinced that Christians have the right to preach in the New World, as they also have the right to exchange goods, ideas, and culture, but in no case with violent methods and wars with the Indians, usurping their property and lands, but always respecting their freedom. The very risky stand he took can be summarized by his critics and passionate rejections regarding the reasons given to legitimize the presence of the Spanish Kingdom in the discovered lands: 1. The domain of the Pope or the emperor over the whole world. 2. The violent struggle to punish the sins of the Indians, such as anthropophagy and human sacrifices. 3. The imposition of the Christian religion as the only true one. 4. The violence and wars against the Indians would lead them to reject and hate the gospel that is the fundamental mission.

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User Demetrious
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