Paternalism and Populism

Catholicism in Latin America

Bibliographic Data

ID5836686
AuthorsEmanuel De Kadt (corresponding author)
Year1967
Volume2
Issue4
Pages89-106
Publication date1967-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Contemporary History (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0022-0094 • E-ISSN: 1461-7250
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/002200946700200408
OpenAlexW2100147450
LanguageEN
Citations received12

The Catholic church in Latin America sometimes attempts to speak with one voice. When it does so, as after the meeting of the Latin American Bishops' Conference (CELAM) in October 1966, it squeaks rather than roars: the diversity of views on the area's socio-economic or political problems prevents the bishops from being heard 'loud and clear'. This paper will attempt to document that diversity, not by an exhaustive survey of the different positions but by an examination of those cases which effectively mark the limits on the conservative and radical sides. It therefore begins by discussing certain aspects of Catholicism in Colombia, which boasts the most devout and traditional Catholic population and the most conservative and paternalistic church. It then analyses the situation in Chile, the only country with a Christian-Democratic government in power, one pledged to a 'Revolution in Liberty'. The strain which has arisen there between populist pretensions and a reality which has important paternalistic elements will be examined in some detail.1 This leads to a consideration of the 'revolutionary' Christian groups in Latin America, and a final discussion of their chances of success

Bishops · Oligarchy · Paternalism · Populism · Religion and Society in Latin America · Religious and Theological Studies