To write an introduction to Christianity in Latin America is no simple task, nor is it one we have undertaken lightly. As throughout the world, and in some cases more so, Christianity in Latin America is rich, varied, and complex. Its history includes hundreds of individuals who have been the object of careful monographs. Among such figures are devoted missionaries, fortune seekers, mystics, martyrs, charlatans, evangelists, dictators, visionaries, and many others. In the course of writing this book, we have often been tempted to delve more deeply and in more detail into the lives of many of these; however, we have constantly reminded ourselves that this is only an introduction to the subject. When we have singled out certain individuals or events for more detailed discussion, it often is because they illustrate a particular point that needs to be made and not necessarily because they are more important than others.

For similar reasons, we have refrained from giving bibliographical references to support every statement made in the book. When there is a direct quotation, the narrative and the information provided in the accompanying note should give the reader enough guidance to identify and find the source of the quotation. If a scholar's work is mentioned in the narrative without a corresponding note, full bibliographical information may be found at the end of the book in “Sources Referenced.”