Latin American liberation theology /

This excellent addition to the secondary literature on liberation theology in the Latin American context is organized as a historical account of the movement. Tombs (Trinity College Dublin) begins his analysis with the colonialism that established the conditions for oppression and the need for liberation. The bulk of the text focuses on the decades from 1960 through the turn of the century. Tombs recognizes that his text cannot replace the primary texts of Gutierrez, Sobrino, or Boff, but he does add a helpful historical heuristic to the understanding of this important theological movement. The most significant addition that this book offers is in the last section, which focuses on some of the causes of the waning influence of liberation theology. Tombs offers an insightful analysis of the ways postmodernity and a conservative shift have led to an undermining of the liberation call. Equally important is his chapter on the Vatican's attempt to discredit and silence liberation theologians. This book is a very important resource for understanding the historical context within which liberation theology emerged and has waned in Latin America. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Upper-level undergraduates through faculty. D. J. Livingston Mercyhurst College