“Religious syncretism contributed to the establishment of Christianity in the New World.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the impact of religious syncretism on the establishment of Christianity in the New World. Candidates may refer to the success of syncretism in Mexico in the 1530s. They may refer to how it assisted in the transition from polytheism to monotheism as local gods were associated with Christian saints. However, candidates may also claim that there were certain levels of resistance to Christianity by referring to the development of rituals and cults, such as Santería, which were condemned by the Church, but nonetheless continued to exist secretly. Candidates may offer a review of other contributing factors such as encomiendas and reductions. They may conclude that syncretism showed that the indigenous populations pretended to accept Christianity but continued to uphold their beliefs.