Reclaiming Liberation Theology: Liberation Theology and Sexuality
Second edition
Edited by Marcella Althaus-Reid
Paperback
Price: £19.99
Publisher:SCM imprint of Hymns Ancient & Modern Ltd
Published:25 August 2009
ISBN:978-0-334-04185-6
GoodBookStall Review:
An author of one of the eleven chapters in this collection of essays is among those who are 'very critical of Theology of Liberation' (p. 169); indeed, it has 'died (p.170). However, others, including the publisher, insist that Christianity in Latin America needs to take into account issues about sexuality and poverty. These papers are concerned with 'the ongoing project of the liberation of theology from economic and sexual oppressions' (publisher's comment), and 'represent Liberation Theology in motion: dynamic, unsettling, still struggling with orthodoxy while engaging in the broad struggle for justice that includes sexual justice.' (p. 3, 'Introduction' by the editor who died early in 2009).
This is, in the best sense, an unsettling and provocative book, which is recommended if one wishes to explore how Liberation Theology is developing. Views and interpretations are presented which may shock many Christians. Yet the authors make carefully considered points from their own experiences as people, as Christians and, for a number, as Ministers. The final paragraph of the book expresses the hope that there will develop an inclusive church 'without barriers of class, race or sexualities....a church of equal and yet different people loving God and working towards the Kingdom of God amongst us.' (p. 187).
Each chapter ends with 'Notes' and some have a bibliography ('References'). There is an 'Index'.
Reviewer: J.Nicholas Latham (12/12/09)
An author of one of the eleven chapters in this collection of essays is among those who are 'very critical of Theology of Liberation' (p. 169); indeed, it has 'died (p.170). However, others, including the publisher, insist that Christianity in Latin America needs to take into account issues about sexuality and poverty. These papers are concerned with 'the ongoing project of the liberation of theology from economic and sexual oppressions' (publisher's comment), and 'represent Liberation Theology in motion: dynamic, unsettling, still struggling with orthodoxy while engaging in the broad struggle for justice that includes sexual justice.' (p. 3, 'Introduction' by the editor who died early in 2009).
This is, in the best sense, an unsettling and provocative book, which is recommended if one wishes to explore how Liberation Theology is developing. Views and interpretations are presented which may shock many Christians. Yet the authors make carefully considered points from their own experiences as people, as Christians and, for a number, as Ministers. The final paragraph of the book expresses the hope that there will develop an inclusive church 'without barriers of class, race or sexualities....a church of equal and yet different people loving God and working towards the Kingdom of God amongst us.' (p. 187).
Each chapter ends with 'Notes' and some have a bibliography ('References'). There is an 'Index'.
Reviewer: J.Nicholas Latham (12/12/09)
