Magistrates of the Sacred: Priests and Parishioners in Eighteenth-Century Mexico

Rating:
Summary: Magistrates of the Sacred Sets a New Standard
Review: This book allows readers to see a significant segment of the history of religion in Mexico as never before. William B. Taylor's research into the lives of priests, natives and mestizo parishoners in 18th century Mexico presents a largely innovative and exciting understanding of religious change, church authority and the primordial power of Catholic ritual in the lives of all three. It also reveals the intense and ongoing negotiations for who would interpret sacred space, religious experience and Christian identity during these years of change and continuity in Mexico. Especially valuable for students of syncretism, cultural change and Indian religious identity is the excellent chapter three on religious change and ritual transformations brought about by Indians and priests.
By the way, this book won several of the most prestigious history prizes given by historians.