Systematic Systematic Theology: Perspectives from Liberation Theology (Readings from Mysterium Liberationis): Perspectives from Liberation Theory

I read this book while still in Seminary, and it continues to inform my theology today. As a white American woman I have never experienced the struggles that the Latin American Liberationists have faced in their quest for economic equality for their people and for freedom of religious thought. Despite this, I am able to use my awareness of their struggle to begin to understand how they came to the underpinings of their theology: they believe that God has an option for the poor, and that God stands in solidarity with those who suffer. This does not shut out those who are not poor, however it takes away our exclusive claim to God's favor and God's blessings. Chapter by chapter, each new author leads the reader a little deeper into liberationist thought on God, Christ, the Church, The Virgin Mary, the Sacraments, grace, and sin. My personal theology was deeply impacted, and several theological points that I had always struggled with were resolved for me as I read this book. I recommend this book to every spiritual seeker and every study of Christ, whether attending Seminary or not.