Journal of Latin American Theology, Volume 11, Number 2


Book Description

Journal of Latin American Theology: Christian Reflections from the Latino South Special Issue on the 2015 Sao Paulo Conference on the Occasion of the FTL's 45th Anniversary Vol. 11, No. 2, Fall 2016 This issue of our Journal of Latin American Theology: Christian Reflections from the Latino South brings together some of the most representative papers from the FTL's 2015 continental conference, "45 Years of the FTL and Contemporary Theological Borders," held in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Building on the milestones of that past, participants faced the challenges of the present and future. Herein, Brazilian theologians and practitioners offer reflections on the FTL's early days, Pentecostal theology, the intended "irrelevance" of the church, the oral nature of the Gospels, and race relations within church and society. Spanish-speaking theologians and practitioners discuss public theology and the joyful dreams of God the Creator. A presentation of theological poetry rounds out this issue.




Journal of Latin American Theology, Volume 11, Number 1


Book Description

Journal of Latin American Theology: Christian Reflections from the Latino South Special issue on the Comentario biblico contemporaneo Vol. 11, No. 1, Spring 2016 The Journal of Latin American Theology enters its second decade with this current issue, which presents an English-language sample of the exciting Comentario biblico contemporaneo (CBC, Contemporary Bible Commentary), forthcoming in Spanish from publisher Certeza Unida and in English from Zondervan. This full-Bible, one-volume commentary has been years in the making and contains some of the finest biblical exegesis and pastoral theology by contemporary Latin American Protestant leaders. This issue includes the CBC's commentaries on three entire books of the Bible: Ruth, Obadiah, and Galatians; as well as seven of the short articles included in the CBC which treat some of the most vital issues for the church today, including migration, racism, and sexual identity. We are overjoyed to present this gift from the Latin American church to English-speaking Christians around the globe.




Journal of Latin American Theology, Volume 15, Number 2


Book Description

This issue of the Journal of Latin American Theology addresses several themes: we continue our up-to-date analysis of Christianity in each country in Latin America; we examine how a Christian community in Central America is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic; and we celebrate the life and ministry of Juan Stam, a giant of a man and in uential member of the FTL who passed into the presence of the Lord on October 16, 2020. Leopoldo Cervantes-Ortiz reviews Juan Stam’s more than seven decades of teaching, writing, and mentorship while Stam’s daughter and editor Rebeca Stam offers a more intimate look at his later life. Luis Carlos Marrero Chasbar helps us understand the complex interplay of the varieties of Christianity in Cuba, then David López discusses how religious persecution has shaped Protestant involvement in the current political arena in Colombia. Tomás Gutiérrez describes the evangelical church in Peru with an eye toward the impact of the coronavirus in the country, and Heidi Michelson and the sisters and brothers of Casa Adobe in Costa Rica share how they walk with God and serve their neighbors in the midst of the pandemic. This volume closes with two samples of theopoetry that re ect on different aspects of the Christian faith in quarantine and a book review of David Kirkpatrick’s A Gospel for the Poor.




Journal of Latin American Theology, Volume 14, Number 2


Book Description

This volume of the Journal of Latin American Theology and the spring 2020 volume are dedicated to providing an up-to-date analysis of Christianity in current Latin American societies. This issue focuses on Mexico, Central America, and parts of the Caribbean (Puerto Rico and Haiti). An excellent array of Christian leaders representing these regions have risen to the task. First, they situate readers in the contemporary political and social context of their country. Next, they describe contemporary Christianity in their nation, both Protestant and Catholic, as the respective churches respond to their national challenges. Then they explore what followers of Jesus in their countries would want to share with the larger worldwide church and what Christians in their nations need to learn from Christian sisters and brothers from around the globe. Mexico is covered by Rebeca Montemayor and Javier Ulloa; Guatemala by Miguel Reyes; Honduras by Enrique Martinez; El Salvador by Miguel Reyes; Nicaragua by Freddy Mendez; Costa Rica by Dorothy and Fernando Bullon; Puerto Rico by Wilmer Estrada-Carrasquillo; and Haiti by Dieumeme Noelliste. This volume together with the upcoming spring issue will make an excellent textbook in universities and seminaries for all who want to understand Latin American Christianity today. We pray that these country studies will lead readers to prayers of solidarity and reflection upon how God is walking among us in our various contexts.




Journal of Latin American Theology, Volume 13, Number 2


Book Description

This issue of the Journal of Latin American Theology contains articles from some of the newest members of the FTL who presented papers in local chapters in fulfillment of an essential requirement for active membership in the FTL: the presentation of a written work reflecting original theological thought, rigorous dialogue with other pertinent sources and research instruments, and relevance to Latin American situations. Through this requirement, the FTL provides a strong impetus to practical scholarship and fosters relevant, robust contextual theological reflection. This issue showcases men and women from Colombia, Puerto Rico, Honduras, El Salvador, Uruguay, and Argentina who explore many aspects of church, generosity, identity, art, the prophetic imagination, and liberation.




Journal of Latin American Theology, Volume 16, Number 1


Book Description

This issue of the Journal of Latin American Theology addresses several themes: we continue our up-to-date analysis of Christianity in each country in Latin America; we examine how a Christian community in Central America is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic; and we celebrate the life and ministry of Juan Stam, a giant of a man and in uential member of the FTL who passed into the presence of the Lord on October 16, 2020. Leopoldo Cervantes-Ortiz reviews Juan Stam’s more than seven decades of teaching, writing, and mentorship while Stam’s daughter and editor Rebeca Stam offers a more intimate look at his later life. Luis Carlos Marrero Chasbar helps us understand the complex interplay of the varieties of Christianity in Cuba, then David López discusses how religious persecution has shaped Protestant involvement in the current political arena in Colombia. Tomás Gutiérrez describes the evangelical church in Peru with an eye toward the impact of the coronavirus in the country, and Heidi Michelson and the sisters and brothers of Casa Adobe in Costa Rica share how they walk with God and serve their neighbors in the midst of the pandemic. This volume closes with two samples of theopoetry that re ect on different aspects of the Christian faith in quarantine and a book review of David Kirkpatrick’s A Gospel for the Poor.




Journal of Latin American Theology, Volume 12, Number 2


Book Description

Corruption... The mere word brings up negative, and all too prevalent, images in our minds: bribes, abuse of power, and favoritism among our political leaders, business leaders, and even among our religious leaders. It is commonplace for Christians to rail against rampant corruption and lament its existence. What is not so common is to hear a thoughtful analysis of the factors that lead to and feed corruption. Even more scarce are practical and proven steps that we can take to reduce the levels of corruption in our societies. With these thoughts in mind, the Fraternidad Teologica Latinoamericana invited Christian leaders to tackle this issue head on at an international conference titled "Corruption Kills: Biblical, Contextual, and Ethical Perspectives." Held in Lima, Peru from July 23-25, 2016, participants gave presentations that ranged from biblical and theological analysis of corruption to practical experiences of fighting it. Though our hearts are heavy due to the subject matter, it is our privilege to share with you in this issue of the Journal of Latin American Theology some of the key presentations of that conference.




Journal of Latin American Theology, Volume 18, Number 2


Book Description

This issue of the Journal of Latin American Theology features articles with pastoral perspectives for postpandemic times as well as reflection on justice and theological education. Edesio Sánchez Cetina addresses the difference between how disease is dealt with in the Bible and modern understandings of illness and healing. Fabio Salguero Fagoaga wrestles with COVID-related suffering in light of Christian hope in the resurrection. Mary Luz Reyes Bejarano proposes an interdisciplinary model of pastoral care that puts victimology in dialogue with psychology and theology. She does this within the framework of a regional program in Colombia for women dealing with the aftermath of violence. Daniel S. Schipani develops a psycho-theology of lament and offers keys for walking alongside and supporting—“companioning”—people facing crisis situations. Luis Cruz-Villalobos identifies eleven positive keys to coping evidenced by Paul in 2 Corinthians, and these become the basis of a proposed hermeneutic of post-traumatic Christian praxis. Esteban M. Voth discusses how the Hebrew term tsedeq is rendered in Bible translations in English (“righteousness”) and Spanish (“justicia/justice”). He then connects the impact of the translation to how followers of Jesus live out their theology. Dieumeme Noëlliste celebrates the collaborative nature of advanced-degree programs and the prophetic, missional approach taken by many institutions of theological education in the global South. Four book reviews, a film review, and one poem close out this volume.




Journal of Latin American Theology, Volume 16, Number 2


Book Description

This issue of the Journal of Latin American Theology is dedicated to the memory of C. René Padilla (1932–2021). In “The Life and Legacy of C. René Padilla,” historian Daniel Salinas presents the essential events of René’s life and ministry. In 2008, Darren C. Marks published René’s own account of his theological journey in Shaping a Global Theological Mind. We are grateful to reprint “My Theological Pilgrimage,” in which René described the factors that contributed to his development as a theologian and practitioner. Next, the five children René had with his late wife Catharine Feser Padilla offer a heartfelt overview of their father’s life. A sample of tributes from friends and family members then describes not only René’s writings and mental brilliance but also his humility, hospitality, courage, and gentleness as a mentor. And the three poets included herein give testimony to René’s unflagging dedication to encouraging and publishing other writers across the genres. Next, historian Dinorah Méndez reviews René’s last literary venture, Raíces de un evangelio integral: misión en perspectiva histórica and demonstrates that the primary theological emphasis of René’s life—misión integral—has been practiced by the people of God in their various contexts throughout history. Finally, with the combined efforts of several scholars, we have compiled as complete a bibliography of René’s published works as possible.




Journal of Latin American Theology, Volume 12, Number 1


Book Description

Special Issue on Being Faithful to God in the Era of Trump What does it look like to live as citizens under God's reign and as seekers of God's justice in today's world? Donald Trump was inaugurated as the US president on January 20, 2017. Whenever there is a new person in that position, it is good for followers of Jesus Christ to pause and reflect under the light of Scripture regarding not only the new president's policies but also our own responsibilities as the people of God. This issue of the Journal of Latin American Theology is our invitation to pursue that hard work of reflection and action. The resounding message is that Christians today need to express a faithful public witness that Jesus Christ is Lord. The articles herein discuss certain facets of such faithfulness: what it means to be the people of God, just stewardship of money in light of international trade agreements, living simply and working hard to care for the planet God has entrusted to us, Christ-centered as opposed to fear-based relations between native-born and foreigners, understanding and acting upon the biblical connection between shalom and justice, and responding carefully to those who face scarcity in the land of plenty. May our readers be equipped to live as more faithful representatives of God's all-encompassing reign.