The Discourse of Cannibalism Within Christianity
Graduation Date
Spring 2011
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Program Name
Humanities
First Reader
Martin Anderson, JD, PhD
Second Reader
Judy Halebsky, PhD
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to present the dialogue of cannibalism within the realms of Christianity; more so this thesis will focus on how cannibalism is relevant to Christianity. The paper will introduce the reader with two distinct versions of cannibalism, endocannibalism and exocannibalism, providing a historical reference within the written works of authors such as Jean de Lery and Hans Staden and their personal encounters with the Tupinamba, native cannibals of Brazil. The thesis will then transition into the example of how cannibalism was practiced through the examples of Hernan Cortes and the destruction of Old Mexico; readers will then able to make the connection to missionaries’ encounters with Native Americas in the United States, and the metaphorical eating of culture. In finality, the thesis will then focus on the practice of taking the Eucharist and the ideology of bread and wine turning into the body and blood of Christ.