The Struggle Is One: Voices and Visions of Liberation

By Mev Puleo

Book Overview

A powerful blend of testimony and photography that brings the lived faith of liberation theology in Brazil vividly to life through the voices of those at its heart.

In this powerful and deeply human work, Mev Puleo opens a rare window into the heart of liberation theology in Brazil--where faith is not abstract doctrine but lived struggle. Through striking photography and intimate interviews, The Struggle is One brings forward the voices of people often unheard: from the favelas and rural communities to bishops, theologians, and activists shaping a radical vision of Christian faith rooted in justice, dignity, and hope.

More than a study, The Struggle is One is an encounter. Each chapter offers a "living human document," weaving together story, spirituality, and resistance. Puleo's lens captures both suffering and resilience, revealing a faith that emerges not from comfort, but from solidarity with the oppressed.

Featuring conversations with Maria da Silva Miguel, Frei Betto, Leonardo Boff, Ivone Gebara, Bishop Pedro Casald liga, and many others, this work stands as a landmark testimony to a theology born in the streets, the fields, and the communities of struggle.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0791420140
• ISBN13: 9780791420140
• Release Date: July 1994
• Publisher: State University of New York Press
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.91 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

In Their Own Words

Though now quite dated, this remains one of my favorite books about liberation theology. The author, now so sadly deceased, managed to capture the essence of the LT movement - and moment - through her perceptive interviews with some of the most famous names in LT. What was also excellent was her inclusion of less famous figures. Above all Ms Puleo's pictures capture the hope of her subjects. OK, so its not a grand theological synthesis; nor does it 'advance the discipline' - what is does is give a revolutionary moment human faces. Every now and then I go back to this book, I think of all the viciousness in the world now [a US president out of control,the IMF/WTO/WB/G8 and the rest who impoverish the Two Thirds World etc etc] and remind myself that we had hope...Perhaps there is new hope too,now [not least as Latin America moves leftwards]. BUT, who are the new liberation theologians of the new world disorder? And who will write as eloquently of them as Mev Puleo did?

Unqualifiedly, the best introduction to liberation theology.

In the 25 years I have taught liberation theology I have used many books. This is both the most digestible and the most faithful introduction to what at root is a movement of theological and scriptural reflection among the poor of Latin America. Mev Puleo's carefully selected set of interviews and first-person narratives of Brazilian churchworkers, ministers and scholars gives the lie to most of the ill-informed criticisms of liberation theology as "Marxist" or "played-out," and shows both the intelligence and the compassion of those who have fought their way out of oppression and into liberation through listening carefully to the words of scripture and the voices of their own consciences. Their words challenge and prick our consciences too. Fifteen years old, the book is as fresh as ever.