The monitoring and discipline of the clerical lust in the Luso-American space, 1640-1750

Abstract

This paper analyses the mechanisms for monitoring and disciplining clerical lust in the Luso-American space from 1640 to 1750. The paper addresses the units of analysis and then inquires into the action against the lustful crimes (solicitation and sodomy) of the clergy under the jurisdiction of the Inquisition. An examination is then made of the same action in the sphere of the non-heresiarch lustful behaviors which were under the jurisdiction of the Episcopal control, such as concubinage and other forms of illicit cohabitation between the clergy and parishioners. A final issue examined is whether or not the actions analyzed had an impact on the behavior of the clergy, i.e. if the mechanisms of control were effective.