Faith Formation and Popular Religion: Lessons from the Tejano Experience

(Paperback)

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This volume uses political, religious and cultural history to examine catechesis. Sister de Luna establishes that "religiosidad popular", the core theme for Hispanic theology, is Christian and Catholic and traces its elements in Church catechisms of the 16th to the 20th centuries. She goes on to examine the relationship between theology of beauty, catechesis and spirituality, establishing that the three disciplines were integral to faith formation in the early church but were separated through the centuries. An in-depth analysis of six selected catechisms reveals that popular religion as a combination of faith and culture was evident at the beginning of Hispanic Catholicism in the 16th century. The investigation notes the gradual elimination and eventual replacement of the cultural aspects in the catechetical texts in the 19th century. The author concludes that the reunification of the cultural spiritual symbols with the presentation of doctrine could revitalize catechesis and bring Christian evangelization to a renewed effectiveness.

Reviews

Anita de Luna hopes this book will motivate Mexican Americans and other cultural groups to design faith formation texts that inspire and sustain their own spirituality. It succeeds brilliantly. Why Because like history's best catechists Anita competently begins with experiences of the heart and faith. -- Gerald A. Arbuckle S.M., RPD Research Unit, Sydney, Australia
Anita de Luna has created a masterpiece by examining the writings of internationally known theologians who identify popular religion as the locus of theology. She validates popular religion expressed in symbols, rituals, drama, and music as a sacred way Tejanos learn, express, live, celebrate, and share faith. This book is a must for all pastoral agents ministering to Hispanics. -- Angela Erevia, MCDP, director of the Hispanic Ministry Office, Archdiocese of Omaha
Focusing on catechesis as the bridge between theological understanding and lived spirituality, Anita de Luna invites her readers to accompany the Tejana/o people on an inspiring journey of faith, cultural identity, and the struggle for justice. -- Arthur Holder, Graduate Theological Union, University of California
Faith Formation and Popular Religion provides the reader with a cultural and historical context of catechetical and pastoral formation among hispanics, which is the backdrop to understanding the importance of popular piety. Always a catechist, Anita de Luna teaches us that the 'beauty of memory with a heartrecuerdos'helps reconnect the theological, spiritual, and the lived experience to make the message of the Word come alive in our time, while being respectful of the cultural context. -- Ronaldo M. Cruz, executive director, Secretariat for Hispanic Affairs, Unites States Conference of Catholic Bishops
A fascinating book. * Faith Formation and Popular Religion *
Anita de Luna's book offers an historical vision, through firsthand material, of the way Christian faith has been taught in the region which is now Texas. More than that, the author shows how the teaching of faith cannot be separated from popular piety. The great value of this book consists, through the analysis of the specific situation of Texas, in relating popular spirituality, catechesis and theology, a theology of beauty. -- Jacques Audinet, professor emeritus, University of Metz and the Institut Catholique

Author Bio

Anita de Luna is a member of the Order of St. Francis and holds a doctorate in philosophy.