The Option for the Poor in Christian Theology

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Since the publication of Gustavo Gutierrez's 1973 groundbreaking work, "A Theology of Liberation, " much has been written on liberation theology and its central premise of the preferential option for the poor. Arguably, this has been one of the most important yet controversial theological themes of the twentieth century. As globalization creates greater gaps between the rich and the poor, and as the situation for many of the world s poor worsens, there is an ever greater need to understand the gift and challenge of Christian faith from the context of the poor and marginalized of our society. This volume draws on the thought of leading international scholars and explores how the Christian tradition can help us understand the theological foundations for the option for the poor. The central focus of the book revolves around the question, How can one live a Christian life in a world of destitution? The contributors are concerned not only with a social, economic, or political understanding of poverty but above all with the option for the poor as a theological concept. This passionate collection gives testimony to the continued vitality of the 'option for the poor' in Christian theology, and the necessity for all theology to have a political edge in the era of globalization. Many major names in theology are gathered here, as well as a wonderful diversity of perspectives on the topic: North American, Latin American, African American, Latino, African, Asian, and Jewish. This volume will be excellent for classroom use, while also challenging scholars to broaden their horizons and their imaginations. --Lisa Sowle Cahill, J. Donald Monan Professor of Theology, Boston College"All who believe that Liberation Theology was just a fad must read this book. Groody gathers foundational voices of the Liberation Theology movement to demonstrate that where ever the poor exist, a theological option exists for them. By focusing the discussion on the poor of the world, Groody forces all of us to interpret our Christian faith through their experiences, and whatever one chooses to call that interpretation, it will in the final analysis be liberationist!" Miguel A. De La Torre, Iliff School of Theology The contributors to this volume include some of the most important names in Catholic social theology of recent decades. This points to the book's significance for scholars and students in theology, ethics, justice, and peace studies. Nearly all of the authors write out of their experience as people of color, people of the Third World, or people committed to the poor in their lives and lifestyle. I think the volume presents high-caliber scholarship rooted in the reality it tries to probe. --Stephen Bevans, Louis J. Luzbatek Professor of Mission and Culture, Catholic Theological Union