Power of Popular Piety: A Critical Examination

This book examines the ambivalence of folk Catholicism as a resource to fight against injustice exploitation and oppression. Cases are cited to illuminate the value and potential trespasses of popular religious beliefs and practices. Over centuries representatives of the powerful middle and upper middle classes did not hesitate to manipulate popular piety to protect their power and privileges. In fact much of popular religion still reflects the dominant ideology. Popular piety has the potential for liberation against unjust social and economic structures. When properly guided this practice can broaden and deepen political consciousness and mobilize people to act. Without a strong level of political consciousness as well as liberative evangelization popular religion will be alienating to the poor while strengthening the status quo of the rich and the powerful. This study argues that it will be the elites the well-educated and committed Christians not the masses who would foster the transformation of society. Recent theology and papal teaching have emphasized the importance of popular religiosity or popular piety in the expression of Christian faith. Pope Francis has even spoken of it as a locus theologicus or theological source (see Evangelii Gaudium 126). In this volume Ambrose Mong reflects on the varieties of popular piety in Latin America Asia and Europe noting that while it has definite dangers it is ultimately a grace. The literature on popular piety is greatly enriched by this wide ranging and generous book. --Stephen Bevans SVD Catholic Theological Union Chicago Power of Popular Piety is one of those rare books that brings together a challenging and rich synthesis based on insights from both Western and Asian theological traditions on a long-neglected theme. . . Mong fortrightly tackles the issues of inculturation syncretism and superstition. Once again Mong a prolific theologian puts us all in his debt with this timely and profound work. --Peter Phan Georgetown University Ambrose Mongs Power of Popular Piety is a wonderfully critical and creative examination of popular religion in Catholic life from historical sociological political and theological perspectives. It also demonstrates the absolute importance of attention to spiritual experience and inculturation in the churchs task of evangelization. The liberative ecumenical and interreligious aspects and prospects of popular piety are well documented. This work deserves to be read by anyone concerned for the churchs life and mission. --Gerard Hall SM Australian Catholic University Ambrose Mong PhD is assistant parish priest at St Andrews Church Hong Kong and part-time lecturer and research associate at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. His recent publications include: Guns and Gospel: Imperialism and Evangelism in China ( 2016) A Tale of Two Theologians: Treatment of Third World Theologies (2017) A Better World is Possible: An Exploration of Western and Eastern Utopian Visions ( 2018).