Aristide: A Theological and Political Introduction examines the theological ideas, democratic ideals, and moral vision of Jean-Bertrand Aristide. It also explores how his theology has influenced his politics of solidarity and social activism on behalf of the working class and the poor in Haiti, and the implications for those living on the margins of society. The book seeks to answer three questions: what is the relationship between theology, ethics, and social activism and transformation in the writings of Aristide? What is the relationship between (political) theology and defensive violence in Aristide's thought in the struggle for democracy and human rights in Haiti? Or can a theology of peace and a theology of bellicosity and violence coexist? Celucien L. Joseph also considers Aristide's efforts to foster democratic change, development, and human flourishing in the context of Haitian society.
Celucien L. Joseph currently serves as an associate professor of English at Indian River State College and visiting professor of theology at Emmaus University in Haiti.
Chapter One: Decolonialism and Postcolonialism in Intellectual Discourse: Method in Political Theology & Developing World Liberation Theologies Chapter Two: Toward the Intellectual and Political Life: Intellectual Foundations for Aristide's Political Theory and Democratic Participation Chapter Three: Biblical and Theological Foundations for Aristide's Political Theology and Hermeneutics Chapter Four: Toward a Politico-Theology of Relationality and Justice as Solidarity Chapter Five: Aristide and Critical (Theological) Anthropology and Ethics Chapter Six: Connecting Democracy and Human Freedom with the Ethics of Ubuntu Chapter Seven: Ubuntu as a Humanism of Love and Interdependence: Aristide's Theology of Love and Relationality Chapter Eight: Theology, Retributive Justice, and Violence in the Struggle for Democracy in Haiti Conclusion: Haiti After Aristide: Hope for a New Future in the 21st Century Appendix I: Selected Documents of Universal Catholic Social Teaching Appendix II: English Translation of Jean-Bertrand Aristide's famous Pere Lebrun Speech (Sept. 27, 1991) Appendix III: "One Step at a Time: An interview with Jean-Bertrand Aristide" (July 2006)
Haiti holds a revered place in the long history of the Black liberation movement, as the first Black republic in the west and the scene of the great anti-colonial uprising the world has ever seen. This hugely impressive book on Aristide by Celucien Joseph provides a theo-political commentary on the continued struggle for Black liberation on this Caribbean island where self-determination remains an essential marker for a people who will never give in or give up on their dreams to be free. -- Anthony G. Reddie, director of the Oxford Centre for Religion and Culture, Regent's Park College, the University of Oxford; Extraordinary Professor of Theological Ethics at the University of South Africa
