Blogging Around: The Romero Edition

I've been interested to read some of the pieces out there now that controversial Archbishop Oscar Romero has become beatified (the last step before sainthood). As it turns out, the controversy has been because of the fact that he existed in an environment that was confusing. To just about everyone.

Here are some links that shed light and help give a balanced perspective.

The Politicization of Everything

I know from experience it is quite easy to fall into this suspicious mindset and to assume something untrue about now-Blessed Romero. ...

What most people don’t realize is that it was Pope Benedict XVI who removed the final hurdle in the 35-year process. Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia told reporters that it was Benedict who “gave the green light.” Paglia says Benedict told him this Dec. 20, 2012 that the case has moved forward. It would seem ironic that the same man who wrote the CDF’s warning on aspects of Liberation Theology, would be involved in Archbishop Romero’s cause moving forward. Ironic only if the Archbishop actually was a proponent of this theology.

Jeff Miller has an interesting overview with plenty of links.

Becoming Blessed Oscar Romero

Critics have faulted “Romero” for the flatness of the supporting characters, a fair charge. Yet the portrayal of Romero himself is admirably textured, from its sensitive depiction of his gradual transformation to its nuanced handling of Romero’s relationship to liberation theology, disparaged by some critics as thinly baptized Marxism.

Steven D. Greydanus says that the film Romero is a good place to begin learning about the now Blessed Oscar Romero. This is a movie I skipped because I just wasn't interested. South American politics. Ugh. I guess I'm more interested now. Plus, Raul Julia!

Profiling Martyrs Who Don't Fit the Typical Categories

Many times this blog has mourned the lack of decent coverage on the persecution religious minorities, which should be the No. 1 religion story in the world every year. The numbers of people dying for their faith – or for stands mandated by their faith (and there is a difference) – is at ever increasing levels according to the latest Pew research.

Which is why it was nice to see Crux’s package this past Sunday on Christianity’s new martyrs in Colombia. Assembled by veteran reporter John L. Allen (who was down that way for beatification ceremonies in El Salvador for Archbishop Oscar Romero), it concentrated on a part of the world that has gotten less attention than, say, the Middle East in terms of human suffering.

Crux has put together a lot of pieces about Columbian martyrs. I'm sending you first to GetReligion because that pulls the links together in one handy spot where the article is a nice overview and guide to what's available.