Proyection of the Counter-reform Conflict in the Histórica Relación del Reino de Chile by Alonso de Ovalle

Abstract

The present paper seeks to establish in the “Histórica relación del Reino de Chile” by Father Alonso de Ovalle” the projection of the conflict between Catholicism and Protestantism in the frame of the Counter-Reformation processes. The purpose is to investigate about the characterization of the “Dutch enemy”, who has been excluded twice from the Chilean territory, while it reveals the fight against heresies and the inquisitorial persecution of bad practices. On the other hand, this term has been considered an enemy of the royal interests, and associated with piracy notions. In this manner, Ovalle establishes in his work the Kingdom of Chile as a utopian place for the fulfillment of Christianity.