This film guide serves as an educational resource for viewing The Mission, the
1986 award-winning film set in eighteenth century colonial Brazil about the
efforts of two Jesuit priests—one a missionary and one a former slave trader—
to establish and defend a mission benefiting the indigenous Guarani people
in the midst of the struggle for political mastery of the Americas between
Portugal and Spain. The film addresses several themes related to religion and
conflict, including ways of dealing with tension between religious and political
authorities and ongoing debates about Catholic just war teaching. This guide
includes a synopsis of the film, historical context on the Spanish and Portuguese
colonization of the New World and the role of evangelization in that
process, a list of key terms, discussion questions, and a list of recommended
further readings.
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