Of Love and Might (Part 4)

I was reminded of the various questions that posed as serious dilemmas in one of my favorite courses in university – Ethics- as I watched the Jesuits struggle with decision making in those bleak hours. Should we hold on to the “utilitarian view” which tells us to make a decision that would produce the greatest good for the greatest number, or should we follow the “ethics of care” which tell us to make a decision that will save those whom we care about? Or “Kantian rule” rule that bids us to follow a maxim such as ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you” or “love your enemies”? There are so many views which hold various bases for moral rights and being in the shoes of the Jesuits is not an easy one.

The Jesuits were torn between their love for the people they had ministered to, and their obedience and loyalty towards those in authority, besides their vows as priests. They had to make a choice. Neither of the priests, who had reached thus far, desired to see the beloved natives sold into slavery. Therefore, they stayed back with the people in the forest despite warnings of being ex-communicated. Mendoza broke his vows and organized the natives to resist while Gabriel chose the non-violent approach to help them as a priest.

While watching and even after the movie was over, one question troubled my mind: what would you do if you were in their shoes?