Dictionary of Third World Theologies.

Dictionary of Third World Theologies

Virginia Fabella and R.S. Sugirtharajah, eds.

Orbis Books, 2000. 261 pp.

Discussing third world theology is in itself a difficult task. Writing a comprehensive dictionary on the subject would seem a Herculean feat for anyone bold enough to try. Yet Virginia Fabella and R.S. Sugirtharajah fearlessly dive in. Their inquiry deals with the interaction between Christianity and "the third world," which, according to their introduction, refers both to third world countries and third world communities within first world countries (they acknowledge and explain their use of the outdated term to potential skeptics). A diversity of regional and ethnic origins is represented in contributors' list, the common trait being that each hails from a third world country or belongs to a marginalized minority of a first world country. Dictionary entries portray the rich variety of Christian experience across the globe, detailing the localized cultural and political contexts in which various forms of Christianity arose. The editors effortlessly weave together seemingly unrelated themes to create a comprehensive survey with contemporary political relevance. Combining illuminating information with relatively few notable omissions, the Dictionary of Third World Theologies is far more than a mere reference book.