Padre Martinez Fills Gap in Hispanic Church Studies

Hispanic Church Studies often focus on Catholicism among Latinos.  While that’s obviously important territory for Hispanic Church studies to address, that examination fails to cover the whole of the Latino religious experience in North America.

Padre Antonio Jose Martinez of the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest addresses historical issues often overlooked by Hispanic Church Studies in Sea la Luz:

The Making of Mexican Protestantism in the American Southwest, 1829-1900.  The book provides a careful look at the development of Mexican Protestantism during the period of the Mexican-American war and subsequent decades.  He quickly demonstrates that Mexican Protestantism is worthy of more attention from Hispanic Church Studies scholars.

Padre Martinez introduces his important contribution to Hispanic Church Studies by noting the way the study of Latino religion often overlooks Protestantism and favors detailed examinations of Catholicism.  He argues that Mexican Protestantism is an important phenomenon and that its practitioners represent a sub-group worthy of more attention in Hispanic theological education.  He then provides a review of Protestant attitudes regarding American military activity in America prior to discussing the development of a new Mexican Protestantism.  That when this piece of Hispanic Church Studies really gains its footing.

Sea la Luz outlines the history of Protestantism in the borderland region during and following the Mexican-American war.  According to Padre Martinez, the military confrontation in what is now the southwest United States provided an opportunity for Protestant Anglo Americans to encounter Mexican Catholics in a more meaningful way than in the past.  Many Mexicans embraced the Protestant faith, which led to the formation of at least one hundred and fifty Spanish-speaking Protestant churches in the area by 1900.

The story of these Mexican Protestants is fascinating and clearly worth of more attention in Hispanic Church Studies circles.  The converts found tremendous resistance from other Mexicans due to their newfound faith, but also experienced bias and a lack of acceptance from many of the white Protestants due to the ageís prevailing discriminatory perspectives on issues of race.  According to the ETSS professor and active member of CEHILA USA, this unique set of circumstances encouraged the creation of a strong and independent Protestant Hispanic ministry.

Sea la Luz is a historical work that will make a strong addition to Hispanic theological education.  Padre Martinez provides a well-researched and objective look at Mexican Protestantism and its roots.  Catholicism will clearly demand the bulk of the Hispanic Church Studies worldís attention, but Sea la Luz makes an important contribution to Hispanic Church Studies by filling in one of the disciplineís gaps.

Sea la Luzí primary audience will undoubtedly consist of Hispanic Church Studies instructors and students.  However, it would be a mistake for fans of American and Mexican history to overlook the book.  Sea la Luz may find itself in the Hispanic Church Studies section of libraries and bookstores, but it provides a fascinating look at a component of the Mexican-American war and its aftermath about which few people are aware.