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Óscar Romero's Theological Vision: Liberation and the Transfiguration of the Poor
On March 24, 1980, Archbishop Óscar Romero was assassinated as he celebrated mass in El Salvador. As the Catholic Church prepares to declare Romero a saint, Colón-Emeric explores the life and thought of Romero and his theological vision, which finds its focus in the mystery of the transfiguration.
Romero is now understood to be one of the founders of liberation theology, which interprets Scripture through the plight of the poor. His theological vision is most succinctly expressed by his saying, "Gloria Dei, vivens pauper" "The glory of God is the poor who lives." God's glory was first revealed through Christ to a landless tenant farmer, a market woman, and an unemployed laborer, and they received the power to shine from the church to the world.
Colón-Emeric's study is an exercise in what Latino/a theologians call ressourcement from the margins, or a return to theological foundations. One of the first Latin American Church Fathers, Romero's theological vision is a sign of the emergence of Christianity in the Global South from "reflection" Church to "source" Church. The hope for this study is that scholars in the fields of theology, religious studies, and Latin American studies will be captivated by the doctrine of this humble pastor and inspired to think more clearly and act more decisively in solidarity with the poor.
Romero is now understood to be one of the founders of liberation theology, which interprets Scripture through the plight of the poor. His theological vision is most succinctly expressed by his saying, "Gloria Dei, vivens pauper" "The glory of God is the poor who lives." God's glory was first revealed through Christ to a landless tenant farmer, a market woman, and an unemployed laborer, and they received the power to shine from the church to the world.
Colón-Emeric's study is an exercise in what Latino/a theologians call ressourcement from the margins, or a return to theological foundations. One of the first Latin American Church Fathers, Romero's theological vision is a sign of the emergence of Christianity in the Global South from "reflection" Church to "source" Church. The hope for this study is that scholars in the fields of theology, religious studies, and Latin American studies will be captivated by the doctrine of this humble pastor and inspired to think more clearly and act more decisively in solidarity with the poor.
- GenresTheology
418 pages, Hardcover
Published October 30, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 7, 2020
Dr. Colón-Emeric’s investigation into (saint!) Oscar Romero’s theology of Transfiguration for the Salvadoran poor is a brilliant, deep dive into what it means to work for and towards the kingdom of God, what ministry to the poor should keep in mind, and how we grow closer to Christ by being with the poor and oppressed. Colón-Emeric defends Romero against the traditional label of “liberation theologian” and instead takes the reader on a journey from El Salvador’s history to Romero’s final sermon and his vision of Christ among the Salvadoran church. This is a focused, contextual, and discerning look into Romero’s life and preaching, his influences, and his work. It is not only inspirational, but it helps the Christian reader to parse between social gospel and the vision of God’s kingdom through Romero’s eyes. It is a scholarly text (150 footnotes per chapter) but one whose highlights I will return to again and again as I continue journeying with the needy in Christian ministry. What a beautiful book. It has already informed my sermons, my Bible studies, and my ministry.
October 29, 2025
Had the privilege of speaking to the author, Dean Edgardo Colón-Emeric of the Duke Divinity school, for a research paper, after reading his book on Oscar Romero theological vision.
Professor Edgardo Colón-Emeric wrote about the church father, Archbishop Oscar Romero, whose theological vision drastically changed through his empirical experiences while serving his role in El Salvador. Prior to the appointment of Oscar Romero, his conservative stance on Liberation Theology, was pleasing to the conservative government of El Salvador; however, through, first the death of his close friend, to witnessing the atrocities of his people, he would fully embrace liberation theology and became a father of the poor. His theology would have him martyred.
Dean Edgardo Colón-Emeric was pleasing to speak with. His passion and knowledge was clear, allowing for a fruitful conversation.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in understanding the theological principles and the transformative aspects of the vision of Oscar Romero.
Professor Edgardo Colón-Emeric wrote about the church father, Archbishop Oscar Romero, whose theological vision drastically changed through his empirical experiences while serving his role in El Salvador. Prior to the appointment of Oscar Romero, his conservative stance on Liberation Theology, was pleasing to the conservative government of El Salvador; however, through, first the death of his close friend, to witnessing the atrocities of his people, he would fully embrace liberation theology and became a father of the poor. His theology would have him martyred.
Dean Edgardo Colón-Emeric was pleasing to speak with. His passion and knowledge was clear, allowing for a fruitful conversation.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in understanding the theological principles and the transformative aspects of the vision of Oscar Romero.
December 25, 2024
I appreciated Emeric's approach of telling Romero's story through the lens of his preaching the transfiguration.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews