Book of the Gods and Rites, Diego Duran

The idea that different cultures should be able to embrace different ideas is one of the more universal principles. It is, however, when these ideas cross over into the subject of religion that this idea tends to vary; for example, the perpetual turmoil in the Middle East due to religious intolerance. In the Book of Gods and Rites, Diego Duran describes his efforts to incorporate Christianity and Judaism into Aztec polytheism. Also in this text is found the way in which Duran attempted to revise the Aztecs’ sacrificial, and perceivably sadistic, practices.

Obviously, this text is a quite shocking one indeed; difference in culture, while quite inevitable, is one which is hard for many to digest. This was quite an admirable study on Duran’s part, a bold move which documented events which might otherwise go undocumented. This text is and will continue to be, undoubtedly, important to history and our knowledge of past civilizations. Also, I admire Duran’s openminded efforts in his study.