Columbus’ main reason for his voyages wasn’t religion, but you can tell religion was a big part of his life. He was always thanking God for what’s happening on his voyages. In his letter to Luis de Santangel he says “As I know that you will be pleased at the great victory with which Our Lord has crowned my voyage” (pg 25). When he finds the first island, he names it San Salvador which means “Holy Savior” (pg 25) to thank God. In his letter to Ferdinand and Isabella, when he sees other explorers going there to plunder he says “It is well to give to God that which is His due and to Caesar that which belongs to him”(27) or in other words, everything belongs to God. At the end of his letter to Ferdinand and Isabella, he feels like he has drifted from his religion and he’s afraid he will die before returning when he says “Here in the Indies I have become careless of the prescribed forms of religion. Alone in my trouble, sick, in daily expectation of death, and encompassed about by a million savages, full of cruelty and our foes, and so separated from the holy sacraments of Holy Church, my soul will be forgotten if it leaves my body.”(pg 28) He ends with, “May the Holy Trinity preserve your life and high estate, and grant you increase as prosperity.” (pg 28) it’s clear that he values religion and puts his life in God’s hands.
Cabeza de Vaca’s motivation to explore was based on an obligation to follow in his family and ancestors footsteps. He said "I can say for myself that I undertook the march abroad, on royal authorization, with a firm trust that my service would be as evident and distinguished as my ancestors" (page 30). As a boy, Cabeza de Vaca saw Columbus in chains returning from the new world which probably made an impression on him to want to explore. He also went to wars in Italy and fought in Spain which made him want something more. This was his reason for his voyage.
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I found it very interesting the large role religion played in peoples lives compared to today. In today’s world, you hardly ever hear people praising God and saying everything belongs to God. Columbus talks about God often and gave everything to God.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on Cabeza de Vaca's motivation to explore. In addition to what you said, I think that he also wanted to "one up" Columbus. Vaca knew that Columbus was persecuted for his exploration so Vaca may have viewed Columbus’s exploration a failure so he was going to make it right and be the one put down on record as establishing the new world.
I agree with your interpretation on Cabeza De Vaca’s motivation to be an explorer. He seems to carry a heavy burden of living up to his family’s legacy which in my opinion he most certainly did since most of us learned of his family’s history after learning about Cabeza De Vaca himself. I also liked your interpretation of Columbus’ deep religious dedication. Despite all he did he still gave all thanks to God and seems to keep nothing for himself.
ReplyDeleteYou're right about Columbus. Although he doesn't make the voyage for religious reasons, he finds plenty of occasions to bring up God and religion. I suppose a big part of that is that the times were just different then, which is why that really stands out to us. We don't hear it so often anymore, and it's now almost taboo. These days, we don't read much about people talking about God or their religion in this way. Maybe after a touchdown or a homerun, you'll see a player point to the sky, but that's about it.
ReplyDeleteReally strong on Columbus in particular. I like the examples that you pinpoint. However, do you have a citation for the second fact about Cabeza deVaca that you mention? I think you could talk about what motivates Cabeza deVaca a bit more; nevertheless, you do make some good points.
ReplyDeleteCabeza deVaca also seemed like it was his duty to the royal family to go and fulfill a purpose by the quote you provided. It also seemed like he wanted to live out his family name because it was evident and distinguished and he wanted to keep it that way and the royal family knew that they could trust him just by his family name.
ReplyDeleteI also liked that you pointed out that Columbus lost his faith a little bit when he was feeling a lot of dispair about his failures. I think Columbus was feeling a lot of humility which actually brings people closer to God. He still tried to remain spiritual when he prayed for the prosperity to the royal family.
I completely agree with your idea that religion was a big part of Columbus’s life. In fact, some historians believe that Columbus was a deeply committed Christian and believed it was divine will that he sailed. And also, it is said that Columbus named “San Salvador” because of his deep gratitude for a save journey. The captain of the Santa Maria, who had little knowledge of navigation, must have been so relieved to discover his “Holy Savior.”
ReplyDeleteI agree with you religion does seem like a very important aspect in Christopher Columbus life when you read what he wrote. The island that he finds and names San Salvador is a good example to his respect for his religion and god. I did not think much about his thought for god before reading this. I also think that Cabez De Vacas had the motivation he did for exploring because of his ancestors and what they did.
ReplyDeleteWow! Great examples from the reading about Columbus. You really have made it clear that religion was a strong virtue held by him. I wonder if anyone who traveled with him was in charge of teaching Christianity to others if they found them? Or was the first goal to reach and settle new lands. I also like the last quote you used from when he was in the Indies. What had he been doing this while to drift so far from somethinhg that he held so close?
ReplyDeleteThe part about Columbus feeling like he drifted from his religion really showed that he was a devoted Christian. While he is suffering he writes that he has, "Become careless of the prescribed forms of religion." Instead of blaming God for his troubles he criticizes himself for being focused on his own problems instead of his religion. Once he realizes what he has done he goes on to write, "I humbly pray Your Highnesses that if it please God to bring me forth from this place," (Pg. 28). This shows that he has come back to his faith and he has become humble because of what he has gone through.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Columbus' reasons for his voyages were not religious. He seemed to have a desire to "turn to the sea" and explore the world. He also tried to please his Spanish monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella. Columbus did seem to be a religious man. This is especially evident in his "Letter to Ferdinand and Isabella Regarding the Fourth Voyage." He talks about in the Indies, he has become "careless" with religion and "seperated from the holy sacraments of Holy Church". He is asking Ferdinand and Isabella to permit him "to go to Rome and to other places of pilgrimage." (pg 28)
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with both responses, it would be hard for me to choose who I would side with on who has more passion or the greater motivation towards each exploration. It is great that Columbus puts his faiths in the hands of god and believes in him and praises after him. Along with Cabeza who's great motivation comes from his family, most peoples motivation does come from their family or otherwise the results of family events.
ReplyDeleteI think the quotes you used to describe Columbus's main reason for the voyage was not religion were very persuasive. I also agree with the reasoning that Cabeza De Vaca's reason for going on a voyage was due to him seeing Columbus return from his voyages. However, there is probably more then one reason for this, so you could of possibly stated more. Overall , well done!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Columbus and Religion. He didn't set sail for that Reason, yet thanked God for so many things and was forever thanking the King and Queen along with God for allowing him to take part in his journeys.
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