This is an introduction to a complex set of phenomena representing the most exciting development in Christianity today. There is a small group of theologies that together can be called political theology. The most prominent segment is the Latin American development known as liber-ation theology. This shares with the others in the group the conviction that serious theology not only must have a political concern but must in some sense begin from the everyday experience of a particular Christian community. In this respect it can be associated with German political theology, with North American black theology, and with at least some forms of feminist theology. More than a treatment of liberation theology, though, this book is an attempt to explain the underlying theology of liberation theology, and to help the reader toward the recognition of two issues. First, even this form of political theology can be related to some traditional theological symbols, especially that of incarnation; second, a first-world church has to face the challenge of liberation theology, both to our possible role as oppressors and to our resistance to the incorpo-ration of such a perspective into the life of our own Christian community.

Soundly based on Old and New Testaments, developing with ad-mirable clarity the Christology and ecclesiology entailed, Freedom in Christ is also a very intelligent book, its author one whose understanding of our contemporary situation goes far beyond the boundaries of his academic discipline. It is literate and well written, and thus accessible to those who take their Christianity seriously and are truly interested in what is happening in the church, but who would not argue that they keep a finger on the pulse of contemporary theological development.