This book deals with the evangelization of Spanish-speaking America between the European conquest and independence. The study investigates the concepts and strategies of catechesis, the general conditions of Church law and national politics as well as the prerequisites and conditions on the part of the Indians. New and specific forms of mutual understanding, of mediation and resistance developed through the transfer of European knowledge to a second geographical area and through the contact of cultures and religions. These new forms evolved beyond the sphere of religion and determine cultural traditions, literary forms, handling of law and language research.