Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Wading Through Many Voices: Toward a Theology of Public Conversation

Wading through Many Voices brings together the voices of Latino/a, African American, Asian American, Native American, and Euro-American scholars to produce a dialogue of public theology: how faith-communities, divided by race, class, ethnicity, and gender, can find a common ground for life together. The authors articulate a multiethnic perspective on public theology that counters the divisive identity politics of U.S. public life with systematic thinking that strengthens the commitment to critically transform social relations in light of a shared vision of public good. The contributors develop a shared public theology that addresses social divisions while offering readers a broad vision to collaborate and struggle for an improved understanding of the common good for our pluralistic society. In light of emerging social issues, the contributors suggest that a fundamental respect for difference is a required first value for living together in a common social and political space. Review A stirring performance of the complex solidarity of difference, this conversation models a fresh honesty for 21st century political theology in the USA. The authors, unafraid of the tensions between pluralism and the common good, lead us beyond competing identities into the creativity of a thriving manifold.--Catherine Keller, Drew University Public theologians have something very important to say about and to culture. Unfortunately its voice, more often than not, has been co-opted by political manipulators. This is why Recinos' book, as a corrective, is so important. Wading Through Many Voices moves beyond just one dominant theological voice by bringing into the discourse the often ignored voices residing within marginalized communities. This book effectively brings the voices on the periphery to the center of the public conversation.--Miguel A. De La Torre, professor of Social Ethics and Latinx Studies, Iliff School of Theology A public theology for the future must find ways to sustain conversation across the boundaries that now fragment our faiths and divide our politics. Harold Recinos and his colleagues give us a vision of what such a conversation would be like and how it might be encouraged.--Robin W. Lovin, Cary M. Maguire University Professor of Ethics Emeritus, Southern Methodist University About the Author Harold Recinos is professor of church and society at Southern Methodist University.