Religion and political conflict in Latin America /

This book presents revised versions of papers read at the Joint Committee on Latin American Studies of the Social Science Research Committee conferences in early 1982 to study religion and politics in Latin America. The result is a volume that provides both theoretical discussions of the topic and accompanying case studies from countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. Particular attention is directed to popular religious movements, as well as the tension between grass-roots church groups and traditional authority. There is the usual unevenness of a multiauthored volume, with the quality of scholarship variable. In balance, however, the collection is useful for an understanding of society and politics in contemporary Latin America. Individual chapters are footnoted, and the select bibliography is a helpful guide to further reading. For graduate students and faculty.-J.D. Martz, Pennsylvania State University, University Park Campus

Much has been written recently on the relation between religion and politics in Latin America. This book examines changes in Latin American Catholicism since 1968, changes that have come about because ``popular'' or grass-roots religion now serves as a source of new values and of pressure for change in the entire social order. It adds significantly to our understanding of the interrelationship between the Catholic Church and the basic Christian communities that represent an important means by which the Church may regain its influence in Latin American society. This scholarly work would probably not appeal to lay readers but is recommended for academic libraries. Ken Phifer, Montgomery Cty. P.L. & Montgomery Coll. Lib., Rockville, Md. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.