Theologies of Land

“This volume brings to light one of the most forgotten or suppressed themes in white churches and their theologies, namely, the centrality of land in the formation of a people’s nationality and religious identity. For Palestinians, members of First Nations, Latinx, and South Africans, their lands have been and are being conquered, occupied, and abused. These people are made into migrants, refugees, landless, and homeless in their own lands. The essays collected here wake our Christian conscience to the biblical truth that there is no paradise without garden, no heaven without earth, and no justice until the lands are returned to their rightful owners, and everything to God the Creator.”


—Peter C. Phan, Georgetown University





“In an era witnessing a resurgence of interest in nativism and nationalism, there is a desperate need for honest talk about land, privilege, and power. Voices from the Majority World must lead this conversation because they have often been the victims of land loss through the misuse of power. This short volume will serve as an essential key to get this conversation started.”


—Gary M. Burge, Calvin Theological Seminary





“Without a doubt, Theologies of Land brings readers face-to-face with the consequences of the church’s past atrocities and our present exploitative excesses. However, this strong collection of essays does not let the weaponization and abuse of theology have the last word. God’s care for the oppressed and expectation of justice grounds each contribution and guides us into deeper community with all of creation.”


—Amy Brown Hughes, Gordon College





“This is an important and groundbreaking work. It presents fresh and much-needed perspectives on the theology of the land from various Global South contexts. Given the fact that the study of the land has been dominated in the past by Western writings that are written from a position of power and privilege, this volume offers new insights that often challenge the traditional readings of the theme of the land that dominated the theological circles. I highly recommend it.”


—Munther Isaac, Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church, Bethlehem