Mexican American Religions: Spirituality, Activism, and Culture

This comprehensive collection of essays offers a groundbreaking exploration of the role of religion in the Mexican American community, shedding light on its profound impact on literature, art, activism, and popular culture.

With contributions from leading scholars across various disciplines, including religious studies, Latin American studies, sociology, anthropology, literary and performance studies, and more, this book provides a rich and multidisciplinary inquiry into the complex relationship between religion and Mexican American identity.

From the origins of Mexican American religious studies to the utopian community founded by Reies López Tijerina, César Chávez's faith-based activism, and the Los Angeles-based Católicos Por La Raza movement of the late 1960s, this book delves into the mystical and prophetic dimensions of Mexican American religious experiences.

It also examines the role of healing in both the Latino Pentecostal movement and the practice of curanderismo in East Los Angeles, as well as the spirituality of Chicana art and the religious overtones of Luis Valdez's video drama La Pastorela: "The Shepherds' Play." With its comprehensive scope and insightful analysis, this book is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the complex interplay between religion and Mexican American culture.