The Vitality of Liberation Theology

Description:The Vitality of Liberation Theology argues for the ongoing necessity of a liberating theology in a world of endemic poverty and economic globalization. Although some have declared liberation theology’s demise, or even its death, Nessan articulates the imperative and logic of it for a new generation. Latin American liberation theology burst forth as the most original and compelling theological movement from the developing world in the modern period. The story of the emergence and proliferation of liberation theology, as well as the opposition to this movement both within and without Latin America, is one of the most significant and lasting developments in Christianity since the last third of the twentieth century. Together with other forms of liberating theology from contexts of oppression in diverse parts of the world (anti-apartheid theology in South Africa and Namibia, Minjung theology in Korea, Dalit theology in India, or Palestinian liberation theology), Latin American liberation theology takes a prophetic stand against the hegemony of the status quo and joins league with other subaltern peoples in the cause of freedom from all forms of subjugation and oppression. The dawn of Latin American liberation theology inaugurated a new era in the global theological landscape.Endorsements:''Nessan moves gracefully from quietism to activism, fatalism to utopia, abstraction to concreteness, developmentalism to social justice, justification by grace to good news for the poor. In our current milieu of violent, scandalous capitalism, Nessan’s moral indignation is timelier than ever.'' --Eliseo Pérez-Álvarez, author of A Vexing Gadfly: The Late Kierkegaard on Economic Matters''Here, finally, is a book that puts liberation and poverty in theological and social-theory perspective. It is compelling and prophetic. Poverty is not only real and devastating in its many forms, but no serious Christian theology and missiology can do without a vital liberationist account. Highly recommended for both professionals and those in need of a solid introduction.''--Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen, author of The Doctrine of God: A Global IntroductionAbout the Contributor(s):Craig L. Nessan is Academic Dean and Professor of Contextual Theology at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. He is the author of Shalom Church: The Body of Christ as Ministering Community (2010) and Liberating Lutheran Theology: Freedom for Justice and Solidarity in a Global Context (with Paul Chung and Ulrich Duchrow, 2011).