To Everything

In late 1990, the 20th-anniversary edition of a book of monumental importance was released. The context that helped give rise to an alternative Christian community also was the subject of James Cone's A Black Theology of Liberation. The Spirit was indeed moving in many places.

In that book, newly re-released by Orbis Books (1990, $14.95, paper), Cone sets forth a series of insightful propositions about the role of the black church in the black power movement and the role of Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit in the black community. And in the 1990 edition, we are treated to responses by such theologians as Gayraud Wilmore, Rosemary Radford Ruether, Delores Williams, Pablo Richard, K.C. Abraham, and Robert McAfee Brown. These writers bring '90s analysis to Cone's 1970 prophetic words.

Cone continues his tradition of keeping his finger on the pulse of the issues of our times in his 1991 offering Martin & Malcolm & America: A Dream or a Nightmare (Orbis Books, $22.95, cloth). Translating all of his earlier perspective into the questions facing the last decade of the century, Cone provides a blueprint for the black church as it searches for its home in modern America.

Martin King and Malcolm X each represent a significant experience of African Americans. Most simply, the question is one of assimilation (integration) or nationalism (self-segregation). And the question must be raised because people of color have not as a group been invited to participate at the core of defining America. Cone brilliantly draws upon both leaders to develop a picture of an empowered African-American community for the future.

One book not often reviewed and not well publicized, but which raises questions of similar scope and in the same liberation theme as Cone's, is Karl Gaspar's A People's Option: To Struggle for Creation (Claretian Publications, 2 Mayumi St., U.P. Village, UPPO Box 4, Quezon City 1101, Philippines; 1990). Written in journal form, this book provides insight not only into Karl Gaspar himself, but also into the Philippines, his beloved homeland. The diary comfortably presents the stories of a number of individuals, thereby serving as a model of base Christian community action and reflection.

Gaspar relates his journey into a new parish and base Christian community network in rural Philippines. As he arrives, the people have decided to try to stop a large transnational logging company from destroying their rain forests. The peasant farmers are keenly aware of the effects on their life and culture of the cutting of these mountainous forest regions.

Gaspar provides insight into the reality in various areas throughout the world: Poor people are pitted against each other by corporations. As the farmers block the logging trucks, the drivers of the trucks and the tribal leaders (who are given food by the company in exchange for their public support) establish counter-demonstrations to the farmers.

Already well respected for his insights into biblical visions of justice in the Philippines, Gaspar demonstrates in this book his sensitivity to the integrity of creation and the people on the frontlines of environmental devastation. While many Americans struggle to stay committed to recycling, the poor farmers of Mindinao are setting up blockades to save the old growth forests -- for their own immediate health and well-being as well as the protection of future generations.

Gaspar's fresh portrayal of these struggles -- much of which is supported by his own knowledge because his father was a logging truck driver -- makes him today's Chico Mendez.

Bob Hulteen was Under Review editor of Sojourners when this article appeared.