Aristide: A Theological and Political Introduction

by Celucien L. Joseph

Overview

Aristide: A Theological and Political Introduction is an engaging biography of Jean-Bertrand Aristide that examines his intellectual life, theological ideas, and political vision. The book also explores how his theology has influenced his politics of solidarity and relationality and his social activism on behalf of the working class and the poor in Haiti, and it considers the implications of his ideas for Christian ethics and engagement in society and the democratic life. The book seeks to answer three questions: What is the relationship between theology, ethics, and social activism and transformation in the writings of Aristide? What is the relationship between (political) theology and defensive violence in Aristide’s thought in the struggle for democracy and human rights in Haiti? Or can a theology of peace and a theology of bellicosity and violence coexist? Celucien L. Joseph also considers Aristide’s efforts to foster democratic change, development, and human flourishing in the context of Haitian society.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781978713260
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	02/02/2023
Pages:	354
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.94(d)

About the Author

Celucien L. Joseph currently serves as professor and chair of the English Department at San Jacinto College and visiting professor of theology at Emmaus University in Haiti. His most recent books include Theologizing in Black: On Africana Theological Ethics and Anthropology (2020), and Theological Education and Christian Scholarship for Human Flourishing: Hermeneutics, Knowledge, and Multiculturalism (2022).

Table of Contents

Chapter One: Decolonialism and Postcolonialism in Intellectual Discourse: Method in Political Theology & Developing World Liberation Theologies

Chapter Two: Toward the Intellectual and Political Life: Intellectual Foundations for Aristide’s Political Theory and Democratic Participation

Chapter Three: Biblical and Theological Foundations for Aristide’s Political Theology and Hermeneutics

Chapter Four: Toward a Politico-Theology of Relationality and Justice as Solidarity

Chapter Five: Aristide and Critical (Theological) Anthropology and Ethics

Chapter Six: Connecting Democracy and Human Freedom with the Ethics of Ubuntu

Chapter Seven: Ubuntu as a Humanism of Love and Interdependence: Aristide’s Theology of Love and Relationality

Chapter Eight: Theology, Retributive Justice, and Violence in the Struggle for Democracy in Haiti

Conclusion: Haiti After Aristide: Hope for a New Future in the 21st Century

Appendix I: Selected Documents of Universal Catholic Social Teaching

Appendix II: English Translation of Jean-Bertrand Aristide’s famous Pere Lebrun Speech (Sept. 27, 1991)

Appendix III: “One Step at a Time: An interview with Jean-Bertrand Aristide” (July 2006)

Editorial Reviews

[There] are brilliant, helpful and constructive insights here that would add towards a fuller picture and greater appreciation of Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Celucien Joseph has clearly produced a much-needed volume in reclaiming Aristide as part of the history of Caribbean ideas and intellectual discourse. The research, thought and intentional work towards delivering this volume cannot be underestimated and is certainly an addition to Caribbean critical, theological and historical scholarship that others will build upon and expand.

Black Theology: An International Journal

Haiti holds a revered place in the long history of the Black liberation movement, as the first Black republic in the west and the scene of the greatest anti-colonial uprising the world has ever seen. This hugely impressive book on Aristide by Celucien Joseph provides a theo-political commentary on the continued struggle for Black liberation on this Caribbean island where self-determination remains an essential marker for a people who will never give in or give up on their dreams to be free.

Anthony G. Reddie

This book provides a needed and interesting theological approach to the study of Aristide’s political trajectory.

Robert Fatton Jr

This book provides a needed and interesting theological approach to the study of Aristide’s political trajectory.

Robert Fatton