Liberation Theology: An Introductory Guide [Paperback]

Robert McAfee Brown (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1993

In a manner that is vivid and lively, Robert McAfee Brown explains and illuminates liberation theology for North American readers who may have no previous knowledge of this dynamic Christian movement. Growing out of the experience of oppressed people in Latin America, liberation theology lends a transforming power to both the study of the Bible and the Christian duty to work for justice for all God's people. With heartwarming, terrifying, and humorous stories, Brown shows the strength and significance of one of the outstanding developments in religious faith today and for the future.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Brown introduces liberation theology as lived reality, revealing experiences he had in Central America that brought him new understanding of people and Christian community. His trip altered his perspective on commitment and hope, as well as on Columbus and other conquerors, and showed him a deeper encounter with God through justice-making. Brown (Pacific School of Religion) criticizes U.S. policy regarding Central America and encourages Christian witness and risk-taking on behalf of justice. This book makes liberation theology "come alive" by introducing it emotionally and spiritually, rather than as a merely intellectual concept. Recommended for public and seminary libraries.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Robert McAfee Brown was a well-known theologian, writer, teacher, and social activist. He authored many books, including The Bible Speaks to You; Liberation Theology: An Introductory Guide; Reclaiming the Bible; Religion and Violence; Theology in a New Key; and, a novel, Dark the Night, Wild the Sea, all published by Westminster John Knox Press.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Westminster/John Knox Press; 1st edition (January 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0664254241
• ISBN-13: 978-0664254247
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #540,540 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brown Imparts Life Into the Study of Liberation Theology, June 13, 2000

By 

"guy-72" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Liberation Theology: An Introductory Guide (Paperback)

The author, Robert McAfee Brown, states that his goal for this book is to bear witness to the extraordinary faith of Latin American Catholics who participate in the Liberation movement (20). He has been, no doubt, successful in his objective. This text is intriguing more for its intent (a "call to action" for first-world readers) rather than for its main content (an introductory description of Liberation Theology-primarily in Latin America). The reader of this book will find many entreaties to action on behalf of the oppressed peoples of the world, many of whom reside in our "backyard"-the poor urban areas of North American cities (94). Brown does a commendable job of keeping the topic interesting through the consistent intermingling of real-life anecdotes with theological and historical descriptions. Perhaps the most impressive characteristic of this book is the fact that it reads more like a story than a theological text.

In most non-fiction books, there are some areas that stand out more than others. This book is no exception. The introduction, for example, carries several stories of actual people who have suffered horrible atrocities in some areas of Central America. These real-life stories help the reader to understand the type of political, economic, and social oppression that a majority of Latin American people must deal with daily. Accordingly, it becomes more realistic for the reader to understand what a powerful "liberator" the Liberation movement has become for the lay Catholic in many parts of Latin America. The base church communities that have evolved to support the critical needs of the oppressed are much more than a reflection of a "professional" theological movement as we might, at first, guess. On the contrary, the roles are reversed. It is these base communities, providing for the needs of people, through which Liberation Theology-the subject-has evolved. So then, Liberation Theology as an academic field, is a mere reflection of how oppressed Christians respond-epistemologically and ecclesiologically-to the institutionalized oppression with which they must deal. Brown notes that "It is not enough to read books about poverty; commitment means encountering poor people" (56). Liberation Theology, therefore, can only be truly understood and practiced through and with the lives of oppressed peoples.

Again, the real value of this book comes in Brown's consistent appeals to his readers for action in support of oppressed people groups. In fact, he even lists steps that we might take to truly "practice" Liberation Theology even while in the midst of our comfortable, first-world environment (116-120). If the reader is interested, the author's Endnotes and Section on Discussion Questions are both helpful and useful for further research.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, January 3, 2007

By 

Starving Student "Buried in Books" (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Liberation Theology: An Introductory Guide (Paperback)

This is an excellent introduction to Liberation Theology. It may make you uncomfortable, though...especially if you are from a "priveleged" background...I loved it because it spoke to the strange "dicotomy" within me of being a supposed "conservative Christian" with the Spirit of supposed "liberalism" in light of justice issues.

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb writing!, September 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Liberation Theology: An Introductory Guide (Paperback)

Brown does an excellent job of portraying lib. theology for the "first world" reader. The book is fascinating. Reading it has had a deep impact on my life.