The contributors to this volume -- scholars and clergy from both North and South America -- describe the complex relationship between religion and state in Latin America. They discuss the intense self-examination by Latin American Christians, the development of new theologies, new religions and social practices, and a heightened sensitivity to social problems.

Complex and profound changes have been taking place in the Latin American Catholic Church in the 20th century which have often been misunderstood and misrepresented. This is a collection of essays written by scholars working in the fields of history, political science, sociology, law and theology.

No book in any language equals The Church, Dictatorships, and Democracy in Latin America for its comparative breadth. Historians, social scientists, and general readers will cull from it the conditions needed for the church to play a positive and creative role in furthering human rights and democracy. -John A. Coleman, SJ Loyola Marymount University Jeffrey Klaiber's book offers a wonderfully informative history of the Church's role in Latin American struggles to defend human rights and achieve democracy. Anyone who has followed with concern and interest these recent struggles-from military dictatorships in Brazil and Chile, through the violent conflicts in Central America, to the most recent struggles in Chiapas, Mexico-will find this remarkably comprehensive study of eleven different nations an invaluable text. -Arthur F. McGovern, SJ University of Detroit This volume provides readers with the first comprehensive view of the church during a defining period of Latin American history. This is an invaluable study by a longtime and astute observer. -Edward L. Cleary, OP Providence College A compelling account of the role of the church during the dictatorships and internal wars in eleven countries of Latin America . . . by an eminent historian. -Gerald H. Anderson Director of Overseas Ministries Study Center

The authors examine popular religion as a vital source of new values and experiences as well as a source of pressure for change in the church, political life, and the social order as a whole and deal with the issues of poverty and the role of the poor within the church and political structures. Exploring areas from Nicaragua, El Salvador, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, and Chile, the authors analyze the transformation in popular religion and reevaluate the growth of grassroots organizations.

This book explores the transformations in religion in conjunction with political change. Professor Levine suggests, highlights the dynamic and dialectical interaction between religion and politics in general, and addresses the more universal problem of relating thought to action. Originally published in 1981. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

Long assumed to be an unchanging and unquestioned bulwark of established power and privilege, religion in Latin America has diversified and flourished, while taking on new social and political roles in more open societies. How did this change occur? Why did churches in the region embrace new ideas about rights, sponsor social movements, and become advocates for democracy? Are further changes on the horizon? Daniel Levine explores these issues, uniquely situating the Latin American experience in a rich theoretical and comparative context.

Protestants are making phenomenal gains in Latin America. This is the first general account of the evangelical challenge to Catholic predominance, with special attention to the collision with liberation theology in Central America. David Stoll reinterprets the "invasion of the sects" as an evangelical awakening, part of a wider religious reformation which could redefine the basis of Latin American politics.