Mapping Public Theology: Beyond Culture, Identity, and Difference

At its best, theology can speak to a large and diverse audience, providing a social and political vision that pulls people together as they work toward worthy public goals. But now, at a time when such a broad vision is badly needed, specific theologies such as liberation theology, process theology, and feminist theology seem to offer narrowing and even divisive social and political visions. In Mapping Public Theology, Valentin explores the ways that one of these theologies— Hispanic/Latino theology—can overcome its fractious nature and strengthen its relevance to society and politics in general. He provides a model for mapping a public theology that transcends the borders. Rather than embracing a kind of identity politics, Valentin says, Hispanic/Latino theology needs to move beyond narrow categories to examine and speak to larger issues such as the political economy and classism, engagement with public policy, and racial and ethnic social relations. Hispanic/Latino theology must use its resources to address a wider audience on social justice and should provide broader visions of social and political emancipation. Benjamin Valentin is Assistant Professor of Theology and Culture, Andover Newton Theological School, Newton Centre, Massachusetts. and co-editor of The Ties that Bind.