The Violence of Love [Paperback]

James R. Brockman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1998

From the stirring foreword by Henri Nouwen to the last page of Romero's text, this powerful little volume of eloquent, simple meditations never wastes a word. Yet the real depth of Romero's message lies not in his words themselves, poetic as they are. It lies in the life they give witness to: the hard life of a man who was martyred for his faith. Thus this book gives more insight, perhaps, than any biographical account of his life. Short, readable passages make this collection especially suitable for daily reflection or devotions.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Oscar Romero was converted by suffering: the suffering of a friend, of the people he served, and then finally his own suffering. There are many ways to be converted, but perhaps the best way is to live among the poor and to discover in them as Romero did, the presence of Christ. -- Samuel Ruiz Garcia, Bishop of San Cristobal, Chiapas Mexico

Romero does not speak from a distance. He does not hide his fears, his brokenness, his hesitations. It is as if he puts his arm around my shoulder and slowly walks with me. He shares my struggles. There is a warmth in his words that opens my heart to listen. -- Henri J. M. Nouwen, from the Forward

These homilies reveal lines of poetic beauty describing a cruel and ugly world Here is indomitable courage and utter humility. Here is a message of hope. -- Robert McAfee Brown, Professor Emeritus, Pacific School of Religion

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Spanish

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 234 pages
• Publisher: Plough Publishing House; 2nd edition (April 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 087486951X
• ISBN-13: 978-0874869514
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,955,987 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars moving; powerful witness for justice, April 30, 2000

By 

Marc DelMonico (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Violence of Love (Paperback)

Archbishop Romero, the asassinated bishop of El Salvador (1980) is considered by me and many to be a prophet to the church and world of our time. Faced with a situation in his country that saw 5 percent of his nation with 95 percent of the wealth and total power over the government and military which they used to oppress the 95 percent in poverty, Archbishop Romero was transformed from a conservative bookworm to the greatest orator for justice in the clergy since Martin Luther King, Jr. This book contains excerpts from his sermons arragned in chronological order during the three years of his episcopacy in San Salvador (1977-1980). These sermons were more than just spiritual messages, but rather nation-wide calls for social justice, for nonviolence, and for an end to poverty and pain. Drawing on readings from the bible, Romero the scholar and orator shine through, but so does the Romero of compassion and solidarity with the people who suffered so much. And in many ways what he said then is still applicable today, not only in El Salvador, but all over the world, wherever there is injustice and oppression. A must read for any person concerned for social justice for all grounded in a Christian perspective!

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Please read this book, December 25, 2004

By 

Lisa (Chandler, AZ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Violence of Love (Paperback)

I bought this book after seeing the DVD "Romero". There are very few things in my life which I can say changed everything for me, and the DVD and this book were some of those few. He speaks simply and clearly to a loved audience of suffering believers. He speaks to the need of a conversion of love for the poor as an imperative step after a conversion to Christ. That every Christian living in comfort and safety must give money, time, energy, and prayer to the needs of the poor and oppressed. And that this giving must be past the point of what is convenient. He says that no Christian has a right to live in comfort if he sees someone suffering. That any Christian suffering must pray for and love their enemies. This book is radical in its simplicity, in its clarity, in its gentleness, and in its absolute conviction. Tragically, Romero was killed in 1980 for trying to live out the commands of Christ.

This book is great as a devotional, even if you are not into devotionals, and can be read in small bites.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The example of Archbishop Romero's writing cries freedom, February 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Violence of Love (Paperback)

Archbishop Romero's life and writing is a testamony of transending the status quo to becomimng a voice for the voiceless. A bullet from the oppressors silenced this challenge represented by Romero. These writings uncover the presence of Christ amoung the poor. Here is a message of courage and hope revealed in poetic lines rooted in the commom struggle for freedom and justice by the people.