By Jon Sobrino. Published by Orbis Books, 2023 (USD 28). Reviewed by Chris Farrelly

Jesuit Jon Sobrino is a pioneer of liberation theology. Theology without Deception is described as his theological memoir. I prefer Sobrino’s description of that book as a “word walk” — an intimate walk with an incredible man looking back over his 82 years. It is a walk with the poor and the Central and South American martyrs following in the steps of Jesus.

Sobrino’s theology is shaped by his close relationship with oppressed people in El Salvador. They include all those martyred, among them his fellow Jesuits, Oscar Romero and thousands of women and men murdered by troops in El Salvador. Sobrino discusses his relationship with other great liberation theologians Boff, Gutiérrez, Segundo and the bishops Helder Camara and Oscar Romero.

Sobrino describes his own “awakening” when he arrived from Spain and was confronted with the “realidad” — the reality of the poor around him and the oppression in which they lived. One highlight for me was the stunning 1965 “Pact of the Catacombs” signed by 40 bishops (and, later, a further 500) in which they pledged to live in poverty and service.

I warn readers that Theology without Deception could lead to your own awakening or, at least, a stirring and challenge — are we a Church of the poor today? This is a book for all followers of Christ and particularly for our bishops, leaders and aspiring leaders.

Tui Motu Magazine. Issue 285 September 2023: 28