Promised Land, a Perilous Journey

Daniel G. Groody is associate professor of theology and director of the Center for Latino Spirituality and Culture at the University of Notre Dame. He is the editor of The Option for the Poor in Christian Theology (University of Notre Dame Press, 2007).Gioacchino Campese is professor of theology at the Scalabrini International Migration Institute.

"The essays in this valuable collection originated at an international conference on migration held at the University of Notre Dame in September 2004 . . . The essays, derived from presentations and discussions at the conference, consider biblical and theological perspectives on migration as well as the pastoral and human dimensions of this phenomenon. Given the focus on this issue in this presidential season and the crucial role the church needs to play in support of its migrant peoples, this volume has added significance." —The Bible Today"A Promised Land, A Perilous Journey offers a rich, interdisciplinary treatment of the subject of migration, showing the human face of contemporary migration as a global phenomenon. The authors explore historical antecedents in biblical and early church history, the political debates about borders and the right to migrate, and the role of race, ethnicity, and gender in the 'perilous journey' of migrants. This is an indispensable text for all interested in the theology of migration and the ethics of migration policy." —William O'Neill, S.J., Jesuit School of Theology, Berkeley"The book should be read by anyone interested in acquiring a deeper grasp of the complex issues surrounding the border and immigration; it succeeds in its task of proposing a theology growing out of the experience of immigrants. . . . A Promised Land is an important contribution to the development of a full and robust theology of migration." —The Journal of Markets and Morality"This book offers fresh and much-needed approaches to migration, providing convincing support for the notion that any serious study of migration, especially with respect to Latinos/as in the United States, must include religious and theological considerations." —Theological Studies"One can hardly find . . . a serious discussion of the human dignity and rights of the migrants who cross international borders to find work or join family. A Promised Land, A Perilous Journey, a compilation of essays taking a theological and rights-based approach to the issue of migration, provides a needed framework to begin that discussion. Comprised of pieces from a wide range of scholars, advocates and service providers, it engages the contemporary immigration debate from a faith-based, Catholic perspective. . . . [A] useful resource for Catholics (and others) who want to reach beyond the dehumanizing language of the national immigration debate and articulate a vision of the migrant as a human being created in God's image." —America"The editors of this volume have gathered together many leading figures within Christian theological circles to reflect on an urgent issue in our world—migration. The articles range from those that are quite academically technical to those that are more generally accessible. There are several outstanding articles that should not be missed." —Multicultural Review"Groody and Campese have assembled 17 essays from an international body of Roman Catholic scholars, religious and lay practitioners. The predominant note is. . . one of human rights advocacy in the light of the liberating God's option for the poor. . . . There is ample demonstration that theological reflection engages the real situation on the ground to afford an outsider to the debates insight into the deadly plight of migrants on the US-Mexico border." —Studies in Christian Ethics"At times saddening, at times inspiring, A Promised Land, A Perilous Journey brings fresh perspectives to the discussion of immigration. These essays reach beyond the policy debate and the heated emotions of the moment and provide much needed reflection on larger truths." —Roberto Suro, University of Southern California