Abstract
In their book Buried Seeds, Alexia Salvatierra, a pastor and professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, and Brandon Wrencher, a minister and community leader, delve into the transformative practices and spiritual insights of two marginalized movements: the Base Ecclesial Communities (BECs) in Latin America and the Philippines, as well as the Hush Harbors among enslaved Africans in the pre-Civil War American South. They argue that, despite facing oppression, these communities embodied a faith focused on liberation, offering valuable lessons for today’s church and ‘challenge those of us from more privileged contexts to open ourselves to all that God may want to do’ (p. 62).
The structure of the book revolves around five core themes to both BECs and Hush Harbors; kinship, participatory leadership, conscientization, incarnational spirituality, and faith-based organizing. Each chapter begins by exploring the practices of these groups, drawing connections to contexts, and providing practical suggestions for application based on the reader’s social context. The authors draw from sources such as documents, theological writings, sociological studies, and their own experiences within these traditions.
One notable aspect of this book is its ability to seamlessly blend analysis with actionable guidance for real-world application. The authors convincingly show how the core values of BECs and Hush Harbors, like prioritizing the needs of the less fortunate, still hold significance today even though their specific forms need to be adapted to contexts (pp.12, 29). Their suggestions on how individuals can apply these ideas depending on whether they are part of the marginalized community (‘Amos‘), supporting from outside (‘Ruth‘), or coming from a place of privilege (‘Lydia‘) are particularly valuable.
One limitation of the book is that sometimes, the overall scope restricts the exploration of every practice and community. Delving deeper into either BECs or hush harbors alone could further enrich understanding. Furthermore, providing insights into how gender dynamics and environmental justice intersect with these movements would bolster the analysis.
In summary, Buried Seeds is a prophetic gift for both the church and society, uncovering thought provoking narratives and traditions that have the potential to foster spiritual connections and bring about positive societal change. This book appeals to an audience including missiologists, theological educators, and practitioners seeking to deepen their connection, between faith and meaningful action.