Liberation Theology at the Crossroads Democracy or Revolution [Paperback]

Liberation theology originated in Catholic Latin America at the end of the 1960s in response to prevalent conditions of poverty and oppression. Its basic tenet was that it is the primary duty of the church to seek to promote social and economic justice. Since that time it has grown in influence, spreading to other areas of the Third World, along with bitter controversy about its ties to Marxist ideology and violent revolution. Drawing on both English and Spanish sources, this critical study examines the history, method, and doctrines of liberation theology. Sigmund considers the movement's origins in political circumstances in Latin America and provides case studies of its role in such events as the revolution and counter-revolution in Chile, and in the revolutionary movements in El Salvador and Nicaragua. Examining the thought of major liberation theologians, as well as the critical responses of the Vatican, Sigmund shows that liberation theology is a complex phenomenon, comprising a variety of kinds and degrees of radicalism. He discerns a general trend away from the Marxist rhetoric that has often characterized the movement in the past and towards the kind of grassroots populist reform typified by the Basic Christian Communities Movement.

An excellent book, well organized, which makes it so valuable for college use, particularly the case studies on Chile, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. The generous information on dates, places, and individuals, in addition to the author's attention to chronology, makes of this book a most useful instrument for history courses. --Martin Poblete,Rutgers University

A provocative and highly interesting book written by a thinker with real knowledge of liberation theology and its political implications. --Stephen J. Pope,Boston College

An important book on an important subject. Very scholarly, yet very readable for undergraduates. --Edward Brachman,SUNY--Genesco

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