"Cholenec and Tekakwitha in the Land of Crosses or French Catholicism
Meets Iroquois Culture" |
Picture what we will do with our text: Catherine Tekakwitha (again) |
Last week's lectures by Prof. Mailloux: |
This week's lectures: |
The Context of this Cross-Cultural Encounter: "New France" and Its People |
Multiple Amerindian Groups |
1. Two Primary Clusters
2. Subdivisions and Political Formations
European Presence |
1. Mainly French - "New France"
2. French Colonialism
How do the Jesuits fit in? |
1. Part of larger French presence: cooperation as well as conflict
2. Why take this assignment in the "Land of the Crosses"? Map by a Jesuit (1657)
3. Jesuit Views of Non-European Populations
Colliding World Views: Supernatural Realm, Sex, Sin and Social Life |
Iroquois | French | |
Supernatural beliefs |
Supernatural forces everywhere Male and female Good and evil |
One God in Heaven Male but female saints and Virgin Mary Reality of Devil |
Ritual specialists | Shamans Curing Societies |
Priests Nuns |
Gender Relations | Complementary |
|
Sexuality | Seasonal celibacy Sex good for health Serial monogamy |
Virginity - highest ideal Sex part of human weakness Monogamy, no divorce |
Violating Norms | No word for sin Collective responsibility Compensate victim and family |
Sin central concept Individual fault Punish perpetrator |
Death | Gone forever “Eskennanne” or Country of Ancestors Collective tragedy War Captives/Adoption |
Contact possible Heaven, Hell and Purgatory Individual tragedy Favors from dead |
Naming | Requickening (Tekakwitha) |
Baptism (Catherine) |
Lecture Attendance ![]() |
Always stay to the end | Always stay to the end |