Dictionary of third world theologies /

The 152 brief signed articles in this encyclopedia end with short bibliographies; an appendix lists pertinent English-language journals. The 107 contributors include such well-known figures as Gutierrez, Boff, Cone, and Bonino, all residents of either the geographic or sociopolitical Third World--marginalized women and men in any context who are rendered voiceless by oppressive power structures. Some articles (e.g. "Peace," "Fundamentalism," "Patriarchy") directly convey deeply negative feelings toward oppressive forces. Most offer more objective descriptions and methodical explanations of the relevant historical and contextual issues. Excellent expanded entries ("Bible," "Christologies," "Ecclesiologies," "Liberation Theologies," "Third World Theologies in the First World," and "Third World Women's Theologies") are subdivided geographically or sociopolitically. Because this unique dictionary offers critical explorations rather than final, formal definitions, it may function better as a compendium or companion. For that purpose, it has more variety and is more accessible to undergraduates than The Cambridge Companion to Liberation Theology, ed. by Christopher Rowland (1999), or Ecumenical Association of Third World Theologians, General Assembly (2nd, 1986, Oaztepec, Mexico) Third World Theologies: Commonalities and Divergences (1990). By bringing together so many authentic voices around the world, this valuable work represents well the current state of Third World/liberation theologies. D. R. Rodgers; Shawnee State University

This solid, concise guide to various Third World theological terms and phrases is not, as the title claims, a dictionary of Third World theologies. The distinction may be subtle, but it is important. Editors Fabella (With Passion and Compassion: Third World Women Doing Theology) and Sugirtharajah (Asian Biblical Hermeneutics and Postcolonialism) have compiled 148 words, topics, and phrases often used in conjunction with discussions of the Third World and have described and defined these terms as they relate to Third World religion and theology. The entries are signed by individual contributors and include bibliographies and See Also references where applicable. Though the theological information found here relates mainly to Christianity, a large portion of the Third World population is made up of adherents of Islam and Buddhism, neither of which receives an entry. Nonetheless, this can still serve as a good source for quick and concise information on Christianity in the Third World, as well as Third World sociology and politics. Recommended for large academic and theological libraries.DJay Stephens, Roanoke Cty. P.L., VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.