What Is Religion?

What is the meaning of religion in a world come of age, in a world in which some claim that God is dead? In this profound and lyric essay a Brazilian theologian addresses this question. His carefully wrought work will be valuable for classroom use in introductory courses on religion and in study groups; it will be welcomed by theology students and all thoughtful and probing Christians.

"As Alves's earlier work, Tomorrow's Child, What is Religion? is an enchantingly written almost poetic masterpiece which is accessible to a wide readership. His critique of technical mentality and nationalism is a helpful corrective to our scientifically oriented West; this critique is likewise a little recognized but important part of the dialogue going on in liberation theology. This is not liberation theology, make no mistake. But it deserves to be heard for the contribution it can make when joined with the more political economic critique of that movement."
- T. Richard Snyder, Dean of Doctoral Programs, New York Theological Seminary