Scripture’s Impact on Bartolomé de las Casas’ Theology

Lessons for the Interpretation of Key Johannine Themes

Abstract

An exploration of the impact of Scripture in the theological transformation
of Bartolomé de las Casas has important implications for the articulation of biblical
theology from a distinctive Latin American perspective. Since the Gospel of John
has been largely neglected in clasic Latin American theology, this article offers a
reading of three prominent Johannine topics through the lens of de las Casas’ own
encounter with Scripture. His interpretation of Scripture can be used heuristically in
reading the ideas of conversion, community, and Christology in the Gospel of John