Christian Moral Perspectives and Ancient Canarian Beliefs
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Christian Moral Perspectives on Life and Society
| Concept | Christian Perspective | Presence in Society |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | The elimination of a human being, whether voluntary or involuntary. Nobody has the right to dispose of the life of another person. | Present in all societies. |
| Abortion | Termination of pregnancy when the fetus is visible before 20 weeks. Natural abortions are not considered a matter of moral values, while voluntary abortion is contrary to Christian morality because life begins at conception and the fetus cannot defend itself. | Developed in contexts of overpopulation. |
| Torture | Physical or mental suffering intentionally inflicted by one or more persons acting alone or on behalf of an authority. This practice is rejected worldwide; it must be condemned and denounced. | Practiced in societies where there is no freedom. |
| Death Penalty | The application of death to a human being as a punishment for a crime. The Christian view is the same as in homicide. | Found in highly developed societies. |
| Euthanasia | The provocation of the death of a patient to avoid physical suffering. No one should have the power to take the life of another person. | Present in only a few developed countries and linked to demographic problems. |
| Suicide | An act or omission done with the intent to kill oneself. It is rejected in all cases because it goes against God's dominion over life. | A growing problem common in developed societies where people lose the meaning of life. |
Ancient Beliefs and Mythology of the Canary Islands
Guanche Deities and Sacred Sites
- Gran Canaria: The supreme god was Acorán. There were many other deities, though they were of less importance.
- Fuerteventura: Sacred sites included Mountain Tindaya, where offerings were presented. A series of "podomorph" rock carvings have also been found.
- Lanzarote: While much is unknown, figurines of idols have been found, similar to those on all the islands.
- Tenerife: Achaman (synonymous with "heaven") was the "good" god, the supreme deity, the god of luck, and a benevolent force.
The Virgin of Candelaria and Chaxiraxi
The Guanches of Tenerife worshiped a statue of the Virgin Mary under the name of the Goddess Chaxiraxi. Today, Canarians continue to follow her as the Virgin of Candelaria.
Saint Brother Peter (Hermano Pedro)
Brother Peter was born in Vilaflor, Tenerife. He was the first Canarian saint, canonized by Pope John Paul II. He traveled to Guatemala where he constructed:
- An oratory and a school.
- An infirmary and a guesthouse for priests.
- A residence for university students.
He dedicated his life to visiting hospitals and prisons, providing a home to poor immigrants, jobless youth, and the uneducated.
The Legend of Guayota and Mount Teide
According to Guanche beliefs, Guayota (the devil and king of evil) lived in the interior of the Teide volcano, known as Echeide (Hell). It was believed that earthquakes or the fractionation of Echeide eventually created the seven Canary Islands.
The Idol of Tara
The Idol of Tara consists of small terracotta figures identified with the fertility cult of the ancient inhabitants of Gran Canaria. Its name is derived from the pre-Hispanic settlement in Telde called Tara, where it was allegedly discovered.