Evangelicals and Liberation Revisited

Description: Despite the fact that the theological gains of Latin American Liberation Theology (LALT) have been incorporated into several theologies around the world many North Atlantic evangelicals still consider LALT a heresy. The underlying reason for the lack of positive engagement between North Atlantic Evangelical Theology in general--and American Evangelical Theology in particular--and LALT is the mistaken perception that LALT and evangelical theology are necessarily contradictory. In Evangelicals and Liberation Revisited João Chaves analyzes instances of the evangelical-liberationist interaction and examines the generally suspicious responses given to LALT by North Atlantic Evangelicals. Evangelicals who think of LALT as a heresy have failed to look not only into the diversity that exists among liberationists but also into the different theological expressions within their own movement. João Chaves argues convincingly that if evangelicals think about both liberation theology and their own theological commitments critically then they will be able to recognize that LALT can be an indispensable ally in their commitment to following God. Endorsements: Can Latin American liberation theology and North Atlantic evangelicalism complement one another? Yes says this Brazilian evangelical theologian in this succinct and incisive analysis. Chaves sensitive reading offers a crisp history of liberation theology breaks down misconceptions and offers exciting new possibilities of weaving together two seemingly disparate perspectives. This book makes a great contribution that richly repays exploring. --David E. Garland Dean and Professor of Christian Scriptures George W. Truett Theological Seminary Baylor University The good news of salvation and liberation lies at the heart of the gospel. Both evangelicals and liberationists concerned with the message of liberation and salvation should be in spite of differences conversation partners. This book creates an important contribution to starting such a dialogue and as such is a must-read for both evangelicals and liberationists. --Miguel A. De La Torre Professor of Social Ethics and Latino/a Studies Iliff School of Theology João Chaves builds a bridge that needed to be built--between liberation theology and evangelical theology. Each has much to gain from the other once obstacles of misunderstanding are removed and that is exactly what João Chaves does in this short clear and needed book. --Brian McLaren author of A New Kind of Christianity It is often assumed that liberation theology as developed in Latin America has nothing in common with evangelical theology. João Chaves however suggests there is scope for sympathetic dialogue between the two. Because they share a concern for social transformation they may even be compatible. --David Bebbington Professor of History University of Stirling In a lucid and enjoyable text João Chaves revisits the debate between evangelicalism and liberation theology making a strong case against hypothetical incompatibility between these two schools. Drawing on a vast number of sources and rejecting common stereotypes Chaves points to the existing plurality and relevant developments in both camps highlighting nuanced approaches that bring evangelicalism and liberation theology closer to each other. --Raimundo C. Barreto Jr. Director of the Division on Freedom and Justice Baptist World Alliance About the Contributor(s): João Chaves is Adjunct Faculty at the Baptist University of the Américas San Antonio Texas. He has degrees in cross-cultural studies biblical studies and theology. A native Brazilian João lives in South Texas with his wife Paula and their kids Jonathan and Rebecca.