A new movie has been released today that purports to tell the story of a little know religious war that occurred in Mexico in the 1920s. The war is referred to in Mexico as the "Cristero" or "Christ the King" revolt. The movie released today and that has been panned by critics, yet lauded by catholics and right wingers alike is "For Greater Glory." The problem with a movie like this, as is with most historical movies, is that it comes with an agenda.
The movie was financed by Mexican real estate developer Pablo Jose Barroso. In an interview with the National Catholic reporter, he was asked if the recent controversy the catholic church had with Obama had anything to do with the timing of the release of the movie, he simply said it was "God's Will."
This movie, described on IMDB and movie reviews, tells the story of the evil government harassing the poor christian worshipers. Obviously the story is more complicated than that. Ever since the arrival of the Spanish on the American continent, the catholic church has been right there to justify any and all acts committed by the Spanish. The Treaty of Tordesillas gave Spain all of the Americas while Portugal received Africa. The Doctrine of Discovery, endorsed by the church, allowed the Spanish to claim any land NOT held by civilized people who spoke a European language, worshiped Jesus and used the land properly (aspects of this are still used today.) The church has had a powerful influence on the Americas and Mexico in particular.
When Mexico gained it's independence, the church played a key role in that movement. What is not known, is the reason they were principal actors despite the fact that two priests, Miguel Hidalgo, a mestizo, and Jose Maria Morelos, a mulatto, were leaders, the church knew the discontent among the people and played a role to remain a powerful player in the new nation. The early Mexican constitutions speak to that role and the reciprocity by the new government who ensured power and influence for the church in Mexico.
When in 1910 after 90 years of corruption, and graft, Mexican people revolted against Porfirio Diaz's government. People like Pancho Villa, Emiliano Zapata and Francisco I. Madero spoke for people's discontent. Principal among the goals for the Mexican revolution were "Tierra y Libertad" (Land and liberty.) Outside of the landed elite who happened to be light skinned (Racial and ethnic discrimination played and still play a huge role in Mexico), the biggest holder of land was...the catholic church.
It is in this context that the Cristero Revolt emerged. During the administration of Plutarco Calles, Mexico tried to fulfill the goals of the revolution. The church took this as a challenge to its authority and claimed that the government was trying to instill secularism (or in those days they called it communism) into Mexico. The church, playing the victim (my words), recruited the poor and faithful to their side. The government of Calles went overboard in their zeal to show who has the authority in Mexico by executing priests and believers through firing squad.
This movie is going to come and go after this weekend as it is not getting any good reviews. But when you get those emails, facebook posts and television reports about how government suppresses religion and they use this movie as an example, you can tell them the real story.