The Catholic Church and Politics in Nicaragua and Costa Rica (St Antony's) - Softcover

Williams, Philip J

Softcover

ISBN 10: 134910390X ISBN 13: 9781349103904

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan, 1989

Synopsis

Unlike most recent studies of the Catholic Church in Latin America, Philip Williams' book sets out ot analyse the Church in two very dissimilar political contexts - Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Despite the obvious differences, Williams argues that in both cases the Church has responded to social change in a remarkably similar fashion. The efforts of progressive clergy to promote change in both countries has been largely blocked in both hierarchs, fearful that such change will threaten the Church's influence in society. Based on extensive first-hand research, this book is a welcome contribution to the current debate over Central America.

About this title

About the Author:

PHILIP J. WILLIAMS is Assistant Professor of Political Science at Northeast Missouri State University. He obtained his first degree at the University of California, Los Angeles and his postgraduate degrees at the University of Oxford. Dr Williams has travelled extensively in Central America and his other works on the Church in Nicaragua have appeared in a collective volume and learned journals.

Review:

“This work is a well-balanced and carefully researched analysis and critique. It also constitutes both a contribution and a challenge to other churches in the hemisphere and beyond concerning their own self-identity and alliances with political power.”
—America

“This comparative study is a useful contribution to the field of religion and social change.”
--Hispanic American Historical Review

“Based on extensive interviews as well as documents, Wililams carefully balances fact and theory, while never shying away from controversy.”
--Journal of Church and State

About this edition

• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Publication date: 1989
• ISBN 10: 134910390X
• ISBN 13: 9781349103904
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 244