Faithful Inheritances
A Study on the Role of Christianity in Shaping Second-Generation Latinos
- Ethics, Culture & Social Issues
- Publisher: Pickwick Publications (Wipf and Stock)
- Published: 2025
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Publisher's Description
Faithful Inheritances bridges academic rigor and accessibility, inviting readers to deeply explore how Christian faith shapes the ethnic identity and sense of belonging among second-generation Puerto Ricans. Over the past four decades, social sciences have extensively examined Latino/a(s) identities, but the influence of Christian beliefs remains underexplored. This book addresses this gap, offering insights that resonate broadly within the second-generation Latino/a(s) community in the United States. Through qualitative research involving participants from Anglo-American and English-speaking Latino/a(s) congregations, this study reveals how faith and cultural heritage intertwine to form unique ethnoreligious identities. These "faithful inheritances" are dynamic legacies that guide individuals in navigating their world, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Faithful Inheritances contributes to scholarly discussions on ethnicity and mission within Christian contexts, highlighting the importance of recognizing cultural nuances while avoiding overgeneralizations. By understanding and honoring these inheritances, we gain a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted identities that second-generation Latino/a(s) bring to their faith communities and the broader society.
Endorsements (4)
“Faithful Inheritances provides a nuanced examination of second-generation Puerto Rican identity development, exploring the dynamic intersections of race, ethnicity, nationality, and religion. Dr. Acevedo enriches existing identity models by shedding light on the often overlooked—yet profoundly significant—Christian heritage of Latino communities. This work not only deepens our understanding of migration, race, and spiritual formation in Latino contexts but also invites scholars to build on Acevedo’s contributions. It is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the complex tapestry of Latino/a identity and its rich spiritual dimensions.”
“Acevedo helps categorize and contextualize learning experiences of second-generation Puerto Ricans. As readers explore the results of in-depth interviews, they will find themselves saying throughout, ‘That makes sense.’ For example, religious celebrations (Las Navidades) manifest the influence of the gospel in their comfort zone while a long way from their parents’ homeland. His own background adds authority to his discussion of these welcome cultural markers and other dynamics on campuses.”
“This excellent book carefully tracks the moving target of second-generation Hispanic evangelicals in the US. There are many crosscurrents at play in these communities—religious, cultural, linguistic—and Acevedo navigates them well to find throughlines of identity and purpose. The stories he collects and analyzes are complex, and he skillfully draws conclusions relevant to anyone interested in how immigrant communities define their place in God’s mission.”
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