audiobook Junipero Serra: California's Founding Father by Steven W. Hackel in History

Review

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. this description is not great depth but sufficient to illustrate the contrast in culture ...By Ida RhodesThis book provides a comprehensive history of Fr. Serra which includes a context for the foundation of his faith. The book is well researched making effective reference to his family; personal letters (from a variety of sources); Spanish and early Mexican correspondence. I found two aspects of this history particularly interesting: his religious intolerance and today's recognition of the Old World's catastrophic impact on native populations in New Spain and Alta California in particular. Father Serra is caste as somewhat old school; liturgically dogmatic and heavily influenced by the strict Spanish inquisition period that still continued at his time (though its height preceded him in Spain by 200 years). Alta California's native tribes are described in a sympathetic and tragic manner. Clearly; this description is not great depth but sufficient to illustrate the contrast in culture appropriate to this story of Fr. Serra.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Otherwise he collected notches on his imagined list of good deeds to get into Heaven (my takeBy Sherry the BookwormMore than fair; given Serra's excess zeal to save "pagan" souls. There were (a few) Spaniards who complained about the treatment of the indigenous peoples; but all Serra cared about was that the women not be raped by the soldiers (horrific as that was). Otherwise he collected notches on his imagined list of good deeds to get into Heaven (my take; NOT the author's!). Serra seems to have been a sleep-deprived obsessive-compulsive about Church doctrine; and forgotten Jesus' actual teachings of mercy and love. Hackel's book was so balanced I came to sympathize with poor old Serra. It's also a fascinating read - couldn't put it down. Hackel is far more sympathetic to Serra than I am; and that's a tribute to Hackel's extensive research and fascinating writing.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A well-researched and told story of the labor in exploring ...By Ted EstradaA well-researched and told story of the labor in exploring and evangelization of the native peoples by the tireless religious pioneers led by Fray Junipero Serra in claiming Alta California for the Spanish crown. Enduring extreme climates and hostile natives; Fray Serra was undaunted and worked day and night to bring Christianity to the California Indians. Later; held in awe by some; and cursed by his critics; Fray Serra continued with his arduous task; finally dying in his beloved new-found land. Saint or sinner; Fray Serra established the foundation for what would become the California of today. Professor Hackel has written a compelling book that captivates the read.