Inquisition, juifs et nouveaux-chrétiens au Brésil

Résumé du livre

Analyzes the situation of Conversos living in Pernambuco and Paraíba between 1630-1756, from the Dutch conquest of these territories to the day when the last person incarcerated for Judaizing was released from prison. Examines the activities of the Inquisition in Brazil, as well as of the informers who denounced Crypto-Jews. The latter received privileges or material advantages. Shows how the Inquisition found ways to provoke feelings of fear and/or responsibility amongst the population, which led them to denounce Judaizers. Discusses, also, the attitudes of the Conversos to their Jewish heritage; relates how hesitation and religious syncretism led to identity problems. At first, Christians, Jews, and Conversos lived together in harmony, but the establishment of the Inquisition changed the relations between these groups.