In this passionate work, the pioneering author of 'A Theology of Liberation' delves into the life, thought, and contemporary meaning of Bartolome de Las Casas, sixteenth-century Dominican priest, prophet, and "Defender of the Indians” in the New World. Writing against the backdrop of the fifth centenary of the conquest of the Americas, Gutierrez seeks in the remarkable figure of Las Casas the roots of a different history and a gospel uncontaminated by force and exploitation.

Author - Gustavo Gutierrez

"This volume will serve for years to come as a resource for those who want to explore further not only the life, work, and theological reflection of Bartolome de Las Casas but the wider struggle between Spanish Conquistadores and the small but daring company of missionaries who challenged the legitimacy of this 'conquest' as well as the methods used in the evangelization of the Indians.”

'Theology Today'


"Gutierrez's work demonstrates that Las Casas' thought evolved from the concrete socio-economic and theological experiences of his world, one that led him to see evangelization of the Indio as a serious and sacred responsibility before God. Las Casas concluded that evangelization was necessary for both the colonist and the colonized, the rich and the poor. All were intricately and inextricably linked by God's will in the New World.”

'America'

The Power of the Poor in History by Gustavo Gutierrez