Spiritual Discernment and Politics: Guidelines for Religious Communities

This is not a book for the 'book-taster.' Those who are, however, really committed to relating their theology of justice to concrete sociopolitical options will be thankful for it. As clear, insightful, and biblically faithful a piece of writing on hermeneutics as I have recently seen."

Alfred Krass, author of Evangelizing Neo-Pagan North America

North American Christians can benefit from Libanio's approach to discernment and politics. Particularly helpful are the sections that analyze our current situation. I, too, believe that religious acts carry a political meaning, and their meaning is perverted if they publicize or confirm instances of injustice or exploitation.' The religious witness must be critical of the dominant ideology, which is described as 'economic transcendence' glorifying those already rich while oppressing the poor majority. Religious groups who enter the discernment Libanio suggests will risk the pain of conversion and the resistance of those satisfied with the status quo."

Carol Coston, OP, Executive Director, Network

J.B. Libanio is Professor of Theology at the Pontifical Catholic University in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.