In early modern Spain the monarchy's universal policy toconvert all of its subjects to Christianity did not end distinctionsamong ethnic religious groups, but rather maderelations between them more contentious. Old Christians,those whose families had always been Christian, definedthemselves in opposition to forcibly baptized Muslims(moriscos) and Jews (conversos). Here historian BenjaminEhlers studies the relations between Christians and moriscosin Valencia by analyzing the ideas and policies of archbishopJuan de Ribera.Juan de Ribera, a young reformer appointed to the dioceseof Valencia in 1568, arrived at his new post to find a congregationdeeply divided between Christians and moriscos.He gradually overcame the distrust of his Christian parishionersby intertwining Tridentine themes such as the Eucharistwith local devotions and holy figures. Over time Riberacame to identify closely with the interests of his Christianflock, and his hagiographers subsequently celebrated himas a Valencian saint.Ribera did not engage in a similarly reciprocal exchangewith the moriscos; after failing to effect their true conversionthrough preaching and parish reform, he devised acovert campaign to persuade the king to banish them. His portrayal of the moriscos as traitors and heretics ultimatelyjustified the Expulsion of 16091614, which Ribera consideredthe triumphant culmination of the Reconquest.Ehler's sophisticated yet accessible study of the pluralistdiocese of Valencia is a valuable contribution to the studyof Catholic reform, moriscos, Christian-Muslim relationsin early modern Spain, and early modern Europe. 1 line drawing, 8 halftones.
PrefaceAcknowledgmentsPrologue: The Formation of a Tridentine Bishop1. Two Flocks, One Shepherd: Christians and Muslims in Valencia2. The Limits of Episcopal Authority: The Pasquinades of 157015713. Reform by Other Means: The Colegio de Corpus Christi4. From Moriscos to Moros: Ribera and the Baptized Muslims of Valencia5. Disillusionment and Its Consequences: Ribera, Philip II, and the Valencian Moriscos6. Justifying the Expulsion: Ribera and Philip IIIConclusion: The Ideal Bishop and the End of Spanish IslamNotesBibliographyIndex
""A well-documented, measured, subtle, and dispassionate look at the evolution of one of Spain's longest-tenured and powerful churchmen.""