Interreligious dialogue in a colonial context, arguments and controversies that arose from the meeting between the nahuas priests and the Franciscan friars. Mexico, 1524

Abstract

After an outline of the presence of the Franciscans and, in general, of the religious orders, at the beginning of the conquest of Mesoamerica, this article aims to analyze the
character of the interreligious dialogue that took place in 1524 between the Franciscan friars and the Nahua priests. The analysis is articulated around the question of the sco-
pe and limits of this dialogue in a context marked by colonial imposition and theological exclusivism. It also examines the contemporary implications of this meeting, especially in relation to the tensions between a dialogue focused on the affirmation of absolute religious „truths“ and new perspectives that privilege shared ethical challenges, in particular around the defense of life, justice and peace.