David Mudd

            Fr. Gabriel began the movie as a priest, wanting to set up a missionary to convert the natives into Christians.  He is accompanied other Jesuits and is successful in his objective, converting the natives and also moving them out of the jungle.  Rodrigo started the movie as a village citizen.  He killed his brother in a fit of rage after learning that his girlfriend and brother were in love.  Rodrigo, hoping to be forgiven for his sins, joins Fr. Gabriel at the missionary, eventually becoming a Jesuit Priest himself.  A papal delegate appeared and decided to seize the missionary land, saying that whoever stays will be excommunicated.  Both Fr. Gabriel and Rodrigo decide to stay, but their methods of resistance vary greatly. 

            Rodrigo was raised with the mindset of physical strength being the proper way to rebel.  When soldiers attack the mission, with the hope of driving the natives off the land, Rodrigo fights with the native, denouncing his vows of a Jesuit.  Yet Rodrigo acts with faith.  From his life, he learned that words are a weak deterrent compared to harsh physical actions.  He know that the natives will be removed by force, and he believe the only the only way to stop them is with physical force.  His belief is based on reason.  He knows from experience that physical actions can end a conflict.

            Rodrigo believes in the power of physical actions.  He grew up learning to fight.  He also has reason to support his beliefs.  After all, isn’t the Papal Delegate sending soldiers?  Rodrigo trust that his actions will be successful.  He possesses all the aspects of faith; therefore his actions show him to be a man of faith.

            Fr. Gabriel reacts opposite to how Rodrigo does.  Instead of fighting, Fr. Gabriel holds mass outside the missionary with the women and children.  While his actions are opposite that of Rodrigo’s, Fr. Gabriel shows faith as well.  He believes that physical actions will not stop the soldier.  He was the mindset of peace and tranquility.  After all, he was a priest longer than Rodrigo was, and saw more the power of passive force.  The natives accepted him because of music.  He believes more in the mental and spiritual. 

            Fr. Gabriel was belief.  He believes in the power of mental and spiritual actions.  He is a priest and has seen the effects of peaceful actions.  He believes his actions will be successful.  He possesses all the aspects of faith; therefore his actions show him to be a man of faith.