Abstract
At first glance, it might seem nostalgic or out of touch to republish the pastoral letters and other writings of an archbishop murdered in a faraway land over forty years ago. And yet Saint Óscar Arnulfo Romero’s written reflections in this volume, coupled with the witness of his ministry and martyrdom, provide profound guidance for identifying and reflecting on contemporary signs of the timers in tandem with some of the most urgent theological and ethical questions of our day: How should the church respond to the sufferings, struggles, and hopes of human beings, especially those who are marginalized and oppressed? What does faithful and prophetic Christian leadership look like in the face of violence, poverty, and political polarization? Where does idolatry sacrifice not only authentic Christian faith, but flesh and blood human lives? What is the relationship between personal and structural transformation? And how does the preferential option for the poor, which lies at the heart of R.’s theological vision, illuminate how Christians ought to respond to the mobilization of popular movements for justice and human rights?
As in the original publication, reflections by Ignacio Martín-Baró and Jon Sobrino set R.’s responses to these questions in the context of his own historical and ecclesial moment, his journey of faith, and his people’s journey to the liberating reign of God in history. New to this anniversary edition, Michael E. Lee’s introductory essay offers a helpful theological orientation to each of R.’s three most significant pastoral letters, in expert conversation with his overarching theological legacy. Given its historical significance and enduring relevance to theological reflection and ecclesial life, this volume would be an excellent addition to courses in church history, Christian ethics, Catholic social thought, liberation theology, and ecclesiology, along with any number of courses pertaining to religion and public engagement. Perhaps more pressingly, and as M. Lee’s argument for considering R. a “doctor of the faith” indicates, this volume ought to be read and studied by church leaders and ordinary Christians, whose own journey of faith might find inspiration in R.’s model of ministry and discipleship, grounded as it is in a theology of incarnation, compassion, and prophetic hope.