The Mestizo/a Community Of The Spirit [Hardcover]

Description: This work models a creative exercise in ecclesiology based on a Latino/a practical theology of the Spirit, which designs theological discourse based on its encounter with the Spirit in human culture. Hence, it is a theology appreciative of and attentive to the multiple matrices and intersections of the Spirit with cultures. Garc?a-Johnson offeres an appreciative and critical analysis of the uses of culture among Latino/a theologians, followed by the proposal for a postmodern Spirit-friendly cultural paradigm based on the narratives of the cross and the Pentecost. He develops a practical theology for a Latino/a postmodern ecclesiology based on three native Latino/a theological concepts: mestizaje, accompaniment, and ma?ana eschatology. The resulting ecclesial construct-The Mestizo/a Community of Ma?ana-reflects a transforming ma?ana vision and models the visible cruciform community in which the transforming praxis and historical transcendence of the Christ-Spirit works from within. The work sets forth practical guidelines for implementation of the ecclesial construct in the urban context of devastated communities and offers suggestions for further development in Latino/a theology. Endorsements: The most important theological questions at the turn of the twenty-first century are ecclesiological-what is it to 'be' and 'do' church? Oscar Garci?-Johnson's provocative and critical Laino/a postmodern ecclesiology of the Spirit is an important and needed contribution to contemporary theological dialogue. The Mestizo Community of the Spirit is a must read for those interested in 'listening' to the emerging and creative Latino/a 'voices.' --Eldin Villafa?e Professor of Christian Social Ethics and Founding Director, Urban Ministerial Education, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary In this stunning and original theological work, Oscar Garci?-Johnson dips deep into the flowing stream of the Latino/a community and finds there a new theological paradigm lS%