Guillermo Hansen

Caribbean Lutherans

History & Biography

“Many readers will be surprised to learn that the presence of Lutherans in the Caribbean much predates the existence of Lutheranism in the continental US. Rodríguez's book concentrates on the history of the Lutheran church in Puerto Rico and has the merit of exploring the historical periods before the arrival of US missionaries in the wake of the Spanish-American war. The stories of fleeing slaves from the Danish West Indies, of freedom fighters against Spanish colonialism, of women leaders, and of people of color who identified with the Lutheran church are intertwined with the reports and letters of the first US missionaries and their ambiguous mix of American idealism, dubious colonialist assumptions, and honest zeal in spreading the gospel and serving the people of Puerto Rico. The result is a very illuminating, well-balanced, and judicious exposition of a denominational history set amid the larger political, economic, and cultural forces that have traversed Puerto Rico since Spanish colonization.”

Churrasco

Theology

“A good churrasco is never eaten alone but enjoyed in the company of friends. And what a feast this book is! Flavors and textures of diverse origins come together in a theological dish as a tribute to one of the most original theologians the Lutheran tradition has ever produced: Vitor Westhelle.”

Liberating Luther

Theology

“The translation of these early essays by Vitor Westhelle, originally published in Portuguese, offers to the English-speaking reader several entry points to the genealogy of the classic themes that came to characterize this monumental theologian. Here we see the alchemy between the pressing issues faced by Latin America in the 70's and 80's, and a splendid liberationist and Lutheran theological approach. Westhelle shows that true praxis always involves a deep intellectual engagement with our times, yet not devoid of a playful and poetic undercurrent. It is this combination between seriousness and play, depth and levity, eschatology and history, that keeps captivating all those who have been touched by Westhelle's magical wand. This book is no exception, since it is a unique portrait of the early brilliance of one of the most prominent Lutheran theologians in recent times. May it inspire a new generation of theological scholars seeking breadth and depth in these convoluted late modern times.”

Luteranismo en el Caribe

History & Biography

“luterana se entrelazan con los informes y cartas de los primeros misioneros estadounidenses y su ambigua mezcla de idealismo estadounidense, suposiciones colonialistas dudosas y celo honesto en la difusión del evangelio y el servicio al pueblo de Puerto Rico. El resultado es una exposición muy esclarecedora, equilibrada y juiciosa de una historia denominacional ambientada en medio de las fuerzas políticas, económicas y culturales más grandes que han atravesado a Puerto Rico desde la colonización española.”

Dr.