We Drink from Our Own Wells: The Spiritual Journey Of A People

Gutierrez has written about "liberation theology" in layman's language. Not only is the book informative, it is a guide to personal spirituality.After completing the book, I find it difficult to understand why "liberation theology" has been such a controversial topic within the political and church establishments for the past 30 years. Why had a US government study claimed "liberation theology" a greater threat to Latin America than communism? And why had the authorities in Rome silenced both Gutierrez and Boff for their positions on liberation theology?We Drink from Our Own Wells is formated into three sections. The first section contains two chapters that define "new" spirituality as practiced among the poor in Latin America.The second section is comprised of three chapters that focus on scripture; particularly the gospels of the evangelists and the epistles of Paul. Much attention is given to the social gospel of Christ. The concepts of flesh, spirit, and body are extensively discussed, as are the terms "discipleship" and "community".The five chapters in the final section are summarized in Henri Nouwen's superbly written Forward: "...filled with deeply moving texts written by Christian men and women who have experienced persecution and suffering but have been witnesses to the living and hope-giving God in the midst of their sufferings."The 202 pages include 33 pages of notes, 4 pages of scripture references (over 200 entries), a 15 page Forward written by Henri Nouwen, and a 5 page Preface by Gutierrez for the 20th Anniversay Edition.

Although laying the foundation of a new theology probably requires extensive point by point references and carrying each thought to its logical conclusion it does make for an agonizingly slow read for the "average Joe" to figure out where this book is going. Finally in the latter stages of the book, comparisons are made such as the exodus of the Jews and their 40 year desert wandering, and St. John of the Cross's "Dark Night of the Soul are parallel to the present solitude and trials the poor of Latin America are presently undergoing. The privileged classes of societies must actually become committed to the poor, to the point of acting with solidarity with them and following the same path. Instead the laws of many countries in Latin America have the purpose of isolating and disenfranchising the poor, to the point where this majority class of people is only acknowledged in harvest season. The early chapters are very slow as the author lays the theological groundwork for this new theology. The author has produced a credible work, his bio shows he is well accredited and authored of a least five books all based on liberation theology. One problem with the Theology is that it is so centered on Latin America instead of a more universal appeal. The books strong point are its reference to biblical parables and writings, without a deeper understanding of what Latin America society is undergoing it was difficult to see where this text was taking the reader.

This book is a great introduction to the spirituality behind Liberation Theology. It is readable and not too technical for the layperson (such as myself) to understand. The intermediate section gives a good understanding of the scriptural roots behind this movement. The final section elaborates the traits that characterize liberation spirituality. While the author describes the blessings which can be experienced, he does not mince words regarding the difficulty which can be encountered in a humble walk with the poor.

One needs this book (among others) to fully understand the development of Liberation Theology in Latin America and its subsequent impact around the world. There are oppressed persons everywhere longing to be free, and the Gospel gives them a message of hope and a path toward liberation. I use it effectively in a course I teach entitled "Christianity in Africa, Asia and Latin America."

This is a (future) classic of spirituality. For both new readers and those already versed in the Liberation tradition, Gutierrez's work will be a challenge to reexamine our commitment to caring for the poor as Christ did.

He covers many topics in his chapter, though he does not develop them. It is ok by me because he is touching on topics that do need to be looked at and discussed.

I purchased this book for a pastoral care class assignment - it was okay but an intense read. The book was delivered in excellent condition. Thank you.

Excellent ,challenging,A real way of living the message of the gospels

It was nice to have a book owned by the Bishop of Truro

All time classic arrived on time.

good

Liberation Theology at its best.

I knew this book in Portuguese! Now I can read in Language of my actual work!