What are the prospects for liberation theology and the social change it espouses? What can liberation theologies learn from each other?Writing from a variety of social locationsthe African American community, the feminist struggle, and tensions within Europe, North America, and Latin Americathese exciting and enlightening thinkers reflect on the vastly changed context of and challenges to liberation. Yet they find common concerns and cause. They espouse religious reflection that attends closely to those pushed to the margins (even though on the surface things seem to be improving), to shifting structures of oppression, and especially to global economic structures as they affect specific locales. For all those interested in the survival and growth of justice-oriented religious commitment, this volume signals concrete and exciting new directions for thought and action. Participants include:John B. Cobb, Jr., Claremont School of TheologyGustavo Gutierrez, Instituto Bartalome de Las Casas, Rimac, PeruM. Douglas Meeks, Wesley Theological SeminaryJurgen Moltmann, University of TubingenJoerg M. Rieger, Perkins School of TheologySusan Brooks Thistlethwaite, Chicago Theological SeminaryGayraud S. Wilmore, Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta
Preface Contributors Introduction: Watch the Money Joerg Rieger God and Mannon The Signs of the Times Where We Are Entering a New Era? A Global Effort On Becoming a Traitor: The Academic Liberation Theologian and the Future Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite Liberation Theology and the Future Defend Us from Our Friends and Not Just Our Enemies Economic Analysis Postmodernism Liberation Theology and the Global Economy John B. Cobb Jr. The Primacy of Theology over Virtue Serving God and Mammon Economism Economism and Liberation Theology The Global Capitalist Market Economism and Poverty Refuting Other Economistic Claims Economy and the Future of Liberation Theology in North America M. Douglas Meeks Church and Economy The Landscape of Liberation in North America Church as Alternative Economy Political Theology and Theology of Liberation Jurgen Moltmann Origins and Beginnings Developments in European Political Theology Where Do We Stand? The Future of Liberation Theology The Theology of Our Liberation Black Consciousness: Stumbling Block or battering Ram? Gayraud S. Wilmore Black and White Theology The Meaning of Blackness Religion and Color Symbolism Where We Are Now Reconciliation Prematurely? Liberation Theology and the Future of the Poor Gustavo Gutierrez Theological Reflection The Poor and the Future Liberated to Be Free Between Mysticism and Solidarity Developing a Common Interest Theology from the Underside Joerg Rieger Contextual Theology and Special Interest Theology Which Context? Where Is God? A Look Ahead New Birth of Conscience Frederick Herzog Notes Index
