"To adopt the viewpoint of the poor is to discover the gospel anew as the Good News of Jesus Christ, liberator of the victims of every form of oppression. The essays appearing in this book represent an effort to develop theological thought from a point of departure in the "place of the poor" We shall never be as the poor We shall never participate sufficiently in their passion. At most we can be their allies, and bring up the rear. We can be committed to their cause, but never shall we be part and parcel of their crucified lives. And we are still learning. We must grow a great deal if we hope to reach their stature and deserve their communion. We suffer pangs of conscience at not having been radical, as the poor must be radical. We are tormented at not having had the courage of our convictions. But now, we are convinced, church renewal, and the revitalization of theology, will depend on our approach to the problem of the poor Chris tianity's very credibility is at stake here. Small matter terms in which the Christian message is couched: its credibility will depend on the ability or inability of historical faith to generate hope and liberation. Our Lord has told us that the poor will be the eschatological judges of our practices (Matt.25:31-46). How much more, then, will they be the judges of our dis course."-(from the Introduction)