The Scandal of Redemption
When God Liberates the Poor, Saves Sinners, and Heals Nations
Oscar Romero author Michael Lapsley editor
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Plough Publishing House
Published:12th Apr '18
Should be back in stock very soon
This book explores the life and legacy of Oscar Romero, whose commitment to justice and faith led to his martyrdom, ultimately recognized by Pope Francis.
In The Scandal of Redemption, readers are invited to explore the profound impact of Archbishop Oscar Romero's life and message. Known for his courageous stance against oppression, Romero transformed from a supporter of the status quo into a powerful advocate for the marginalized in just three years. His unwavering commitment to justice and the teachings of Jesus ultimately led to his assassination, but his legacy continues to inspire many today. The book highlights the significance of Romero's words, which challenge us to reflect on the true essence of the gospel and its implications for society.
The text draws from Romero's diaries and radio broadcasts, offering a glimpse into his thoughts and convictions. He provocatively questioned a gospel that fails to confront societal sins, emphasizing the necessity of a faith that is active and engaged with the struggles of the oppressed. His martyrdom serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the call to live out the values of compassion, justice, and love for one’s neighbor.
Pope Francis's decision to canonize Romero in 2018 underscores the importance of his message in today's world. The Scandal of Redemption challenges readers to align their lives with the transformative way of Jesus, urging them to lift up the poor, embrace the broken, and work towards a more just society. Through Romero's example, the book encourages a deep reflection on what it means to truly live out one's faith in a world that often prioritizes power over compassion.
"Archbishop Romero invites us to sanity and reflection, to respect for life and harmony." —Pope Francis
"Romero does not speak from a distance. He does not hide his fears, his brokenness, his hesitations. It is as if he puts his arm around my shoulder and slowly walks with me. He shares my struggles. There is a warmth in his words that opens my heart to listen."—Henri J. M. Nouwen
"Oscar Romero was converted by suffering: the suffering of a friend, of the people he served, and then finally his own suffering. There are many ways to be converted, but perhaps the best way is to live among the poor and to discover in them, as Romero did, the presence of Christ." —Samuel Ruiz Garcia,Bishop of San Cristobal, Mexico
"The Scandal of Redemption consists of excerpts from Archbishop Romero’s diary interspersed with passages from his homilies in which he denounces injustice and calls murder and torture by their names. He preaches to the oppressed and to men of violence alike, pointing them to the gospel of redemption and liberation. . . . Of this there is no doubt: Oscar Romero is a true martyr for Christ. He proclaimed God’s love and was prepared, like any good shepherd, to give his life for his sheep." —Cardinal Gerhard Müller, First Things
"Oscar Romero has so much to say to our church and our world today, and in The Scandal of Redemption we have been given an accessible way to read and spend time contemplating his encouraging words. My heart was set ablaze once again." —Tommy Tighe,Angelus News
"The Scandal of Redemption is direct testimony, excerpting from Romero's sermons, talks, documents and diaries the key passages that explained his spiritual and temporal messages in troubled times. It lets the saint speak for himself. His was an applied theology. He started with the Bible and interpreted what that meant to contemporary Salvadorans."—Catholic News Service
- Commended for Benjamin Franklin Award (Religion) 2019
ISBN: 9780874861419
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
139 pages