Freire and Christian Theology

This book explores how Paulo Freire’s politics and pedagogy were deeply informed by his faith, spirituality and theology, illuminating underappreciated aspects of Freire’s thought and practice. Bringing together educational and theological readings of Freire’s work, this book enables a deeper understanding of some of the dynamics at play, and the intellectual histories at work in Freire’s thought and praxis. The chapters include discussions on the theological role of creation and the creative in Freire’s development of literacy, the central role of the person, the development of Freire’s usage of communion/community, emancipatory education, and his engagement across the Americas, Europe and Africa. This book interlaces the historical context of the development of Freire’s thought, with attention to the religious movements and spiritual mentors that shaped and were shaped by him. These include the ecumenical movement, liberation theology, and figures such as Dom Hélder Câmara, Rubem Alves and James Cone. Not only are Freire’s biography and the Catholic theologies that informed his pedagogical theorizing brought into focus, but also his significant contributions to the development of theology.