Latino/a Theology and the Bible

This book explores the use of the Bible among Latino/a theologians today. Latino/a Theology emerged in the 1980s, alongside a broad variety of contextual theological movements and discourses following the Latino/a movement and the formation of Latino/a Studies in the 1960s and 1970s. While much work has been done on biblical interpretation in Latino/a biblical criticism, little can be found regarding interpretation in Latino/a theological reflection. To address this gap in the literature, the contributors, from various ecclesial affiliations and religious traditions, examine the status and role of the Bible in Latino/a Theology.

A much needed addition to my library, and hopefully yours, this exciting volume encompasses a kaleidoscope of reflections on the diverse meanings and roles of Christian scriptures in and for Latina/o theologies and Latina/o quests for liberation. By bringing an array of prominent Latina/o theologians into conversation with two leading Latino biblical critics, this collection will be useful to students and scholars alike. A wide-ranging and interdisciplinary discussion, these essays inaugurate far greater space for deeper engagement between Christian theologies, biblical studies, and Latino/a/x studies more broadly., Like hearing the whisper of roses in blossom, this splendid volume bears witness to the continuing growth of U.S. Latino/a theology as a discursive tradition. But it does even more: it promotes the growth by bringing Latino/a theology back to one of its earlier concerns. Back that is to a critical but constructive consideration of the possible status and role of the Bible in Latino/a theological reflection. It deserves to be read by specialists and interested non-specialists alike!, Lozada and Segovia have organized an impressive and varied cadre of Latinx theologians to contribute to a volume that will significantly impact biblical, theological, and religious studies. These creative theologians, who show how they have consistently engaged with the Bible in their work, also insist and exemplify that to “do theology” from a Latinx perspective one must engage the field of Latinx Cultural Studies. As such, each contributor is skillful and eclectic in their scholarship. Biblical scholars, theologians, and students of religion and culture alike will benefit greatly from this ground-breaking volume. , This book explores the use of the Bible among Latino/a theologians today. Latino/a theology emerged in the 1980s, alongside a broad variety of contextual theological movements and discourses following the Latino/a movement and the formation of Latino/a studies in the 1960s and 1970s. While much work has been done on biblical interpretation in Latino/a biblical criticism, little can be found regarding interpretation in Latino/a theological reflection. To address this gap in the literature, eleven contributors, from various ecclesial affiliations and religious traditions, examine the status and role of the Bible in Latino/a theology.

Francisco Lozada Jr. is Charles Fischer Catholic Professor of New Testament and Latinx Studies at Brite Divinity School. Fernando F. Segovia is Oberlin Graduate Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at Vanderbilt School of Divinity.