Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Conquest of Darkness

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Summary: The Conquest Of Mexico As The Conquest of Christendom
Review: Dr. Carroll writes a compelling history of the conquest of Mexico or New Spain as Hernan Cortes dubbed it.

This history is written from the perspective of the conquistador having a religious sense of defeating Satan in conquering the Aztecs. In short, Dr. Carroll writes his history as a holy war where Christ conquers a religion Satan had established in Mexico.

This history is unapologetic in its claims. Right from the get go there is no love expressed for a religion which was systematic in the practice of human sacrifice. Clearly, Dr. Carroll rightfully expresses some sympathy from those caught in the middle of this holy war. All loss of life is regrettable. War is regrettable.

Dr. Carrol gives no quarter to the worship of Huitzilpochtli, the Aztec god of war. Nor should there be for any religion which sacrafices its children. Nonetheless, be advised that this is a one sided history. The Aztec position is not explored.

The title to this book is somewhat misleading. Only the last 20 pages of the book deal with the appearance of Mary to Juan Diego. As a Catholic having little knowledge of the Virgin of Guadalupe, I was somewhat disappointed that Dr. Carroll didn't take the opportunity to provide me a more lenghty introduction to the subject.

However, Dr. Carroll has a real gift for making history come alive. I found his description of the conquest of Mexico to be concise and compelling. It is a short book, and I read it in less than a day. I'm very glad to have this history in my library. I find Dr. Carroll's perspective on this subject to be a refreshing change.

Most histories of this era are written from the perspective that the conquest had little to do with the conquest of evil. They are usually written up as a quest for gold and honor. While there is no doubt that these motivitions also existed, I'm encouraged that Dr. Carroll brought his perspective to the marketplace of ideas on this subject.

I tend to judge a book on whether it has inspired me to read more about the subject. Dr. Carrol has inspired me, and I'm confident that he will do the same for you.

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Summary: Great!
Review: I loved this book. Absolutely excellent story telling, and explains perfectly well the historical context of the Blessed Mother's famous appearance in Mexico.

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Summary: Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Conquest of Darkness
Review: The riveting history of a great man, Hernan Cortes, who with 300 men conquered the demonic empire of 14 million Aztecs who had ritualistic human sacrifices of ripping out live human hearts on top of their pyramid in Mexico City. Naturally he had circumstantial Divine help and great courage. What man destroys his own means of escape (he sank his vessels) and turns to face odds of 46,000 to 1? Then a few years later the miraculous appearance of Our Lady and huge conversions. Some were still carrying on human sacrifices in secret til Our Lady came. Greatest book I've found in years, excellent for young men to read about heroism and faith. Some ladies may be turned off by the barbaric cruelty and cannibalism of the Aztecs, but it gives great perspective as to the evil that had to be conquered. It is also one of my wife's favorite books and we have gone through 4 as I continue to give it to others.

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Summary: An Unvarnished View of Aztecs and the Conquistadors
Review: This book represents a refreshing departure from the polically correct historical revisionism that passes for history, especially regarding the Age of Discovery and the conquest of the Americas. Since the 60's we've been inundated with an alternative historical view that enobles the native peoples of America at the expense of their humanity, which likewise demonizes anything or anyone of European origin.

This book does not tip toe around the fact that the Aztecs practiced human sacrifice on a massive scale to the tune of 50,000 victims per year; and that the Aztecs conducted wars against their neighbors aggressively, for the sole purpose of of obtaining sacrificial victims to their God. Unlike many histories of that era and place, Dr. Carroll does not waste space attempting to 'get inside the minds' of the Aztec hierarchy. His purpose is not to be an apolgist for Montezuma et. al., but to relate the facts. Nor does he let the conquistadors off the hook. We hear in excruciating detail of the cruel and brutal treatment accorded the natives by the likes of the four commissioners appointed by king Charles to govern Mexico. Dr. Carol, likewise faults the Spanish for not allowing the natives to study for the priesthood and for oppressive policies kept the natives poor.

He doles out praise and blame to individuals, both native and Spanish without prejudice and with a committment to the truth. He states unabashedly that his loyalty is to the Christian world view.

If I could give this book 10 stars, I would!!

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Summary: The Story of the Conversion of Mexico Comes Alive!
Review: War, Human Sacrafice, Courage, and A Fight Against All Odds! This books brings to life the struggle against the evil one in Aztec Mexico with the arrival of the Spanish, just after having defeated the Muslims forces in Europe, under the mission of Mary, Mother of God, to bring Christ to millions onto millions. At the same time so many rebelled against the Church of Christ's founding in Europe, so many found it as their salvation against brutal death in the name of pure evil -- the actions of the Spanish guiding the natives to Christ through Mary. And through her, Juan Diago was able to bring full sight in this amazing story and truly conquer evil in a spiritual war (following the actual war) with the victory in baptism of millions. If I could recommend any book to my friends, this would be one of the first!

Rating:
Summary: The Story of the Conversion of Mexico Comes Alive!
Review: War, Human Sacrafice, Courage, and A Fight Against All Odds! This books brings to life the struggle against the evil one in Aztec Mexico with the arrival of the Spanish, just after having defeated the Muslims forces in Europe, under the mission of Mary, Mother of God, to bring Christ to millions onto millions. At the same time so many rebelled against the Church of Christ's founding in Europe, so many found it as their salvation against brutal death in the name of pure evil -- the actions of the Spanish guiding the natives to Christ through Mary. And through her, Juan Diago was able to bring full sight in this amazing story and truly conquer evil in a spiritual war (following the actual war) with the victory in baptism of millions. If I could recommend any book to my friends, this would be one of the first!