The Indian Face of God in Latin America (Faith and Cultures Series) [Paperback]

Eugenio Maurer (Author), Xavier Albo (Author), Bertomeu Melia (Author), Manuel M. Marzal (Editor), Penelope R. Hall (Translator)

Book Description

Series: Faith and Cultures Series | Publication Date: August 1996

Exploring and placing in context recent scholarly work analyzing the theological significance of vital pre-modern traditions on four distinct areas and cultures, Manuel Marzal introduces the new approach to Indian identity and its overall historical context.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The Indian Face Of God In Latin America explores and places in context recent scholarly work on analyzing the theological significance of vital pre-modern traditions in four distinct areas and cultures. Manual Marzal introduces the new approach to Indian identity and its overall historical context; he then explores the particular traditions of the South Andean Quechua of Peru. Eugenio Maurer focuses on Tseltal Christianity in Mexico; Xavier Albo on the Aymara religious experience in Bolivia; and Bartomeau Melia explores the Guarani tradition of Paraguay. Over the centuries since Columbus, indigenous religious traditions in Latin America have been suppressed by several powerful forces: at first by colonial and ecclesiastical authorities, then culturally by a modern sense of embarrassment at the "backwardness"; and even an analogous dismissal on the part of modern liberation movements because of a presumed antipathy to politics and social change. Since the mid-1980s, however, there has been a growing rediscovery and appreciation of these "invisible traditions" among religious scholars, as well as anthropologists and sociologists, who have come to realize that many Latin Americans still strongly identify with ancient religious traditions -- indeed, that they continue to prosper, adapt and inspire millions. -- Midwest Book Review

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Spanish

Product Details

• Paperback: 245 pages
• Publisher: Orbis Books (August 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570750548
• ISBN-13: 978-1570750540
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,191,117 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for college classes, travelers, general readers, August 5, 2000

By 

Eileen M. Mulhare (Hamilton, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Indian Face of God in Latin America (Faith and Cultures Series) (Paperback)

A common problem for college instructors is finding case studies that are just the right length to assign to students. An entire book about a single case (usually 200+ pages) may be too long. Meanwhile an article in an anthology or scholarly journal (typically 25 pages maximum) may not convey enough information. This fine anthology by four scholars from Latin America does an admirable job of describing, in depth, the present-day native religions of four major indigenous groups: (1) the Tseltal (or Tzeltal) Maya of southern Mexico; (2) the Andean Quechua of southern Peru; (3) the Aymara, principally located in Bolivia; and (4) the Guarani, mostly concentrated in Paraguay. The section on each group is about 40 pages. The material is well organized, timely, and detailed, with very useful discussions on each group's history. Although all four authors are Jesuits priests, they adopt an objective, non-partisan approach to the material. Note that, apparently, the translator was British; the chapters were originally written in Spanish and the English translation uses British spellings throughout. A minor annoyance, but watch for "S's" that would otherwise be "Z's", etc. (Example, U.S. scholars use the spelling "Tzeltal", not "Tseltal", for the well-known Maya group).