Social Anthropology,Christian Missions,and the Indians of Latin America

Abstract

Mexico has been in the vanguard, among the nations of the American continent, with respect to the application of the principles of social anthropology in the secular fields to the problems of indigenous or Indian groups. The present article attempts to summarize for English readers some of the major bases of this movement as it is being carried forward by Mexican social anthropologists of today. It then points out certain of the principles of the movement which are of special significance for the work of Christian missions among the Indian groups of Latin America, and certain points at which the movement, due to its commitment to a secular approach, needs to be supplemented by the development of a parallel Christian movement by groups who can come to closer grips with the specifically religious anxieties of the Indian peoples.