Book excerpt: "Alberto Hurtado, S.J. (1901-52), was a monumental figure in the Americas in the last century, yet to date he has not been extensively studied and publications about him are especially lacking in English. Because he combined both serious academic work with hugely influential pastoral work, he is more accessible than more purely academic figures (Ellacuria, Sobrino, Segundo, Boff). While deeply rooted in the predominant theological currents of his time-which included strands of conservatism, anti-modernism, and concern about socialism and unbridled capitalism-Hurtado also articulated forward-looking, progressive views on social rights, reform, the needs of the working class, and education policy. Providing a thorough overview of this hugely important figure in Chilean history, both within and beyond the Catholic church, this book of collected essays examines Hurtado's life and writings from a variety of perspectives. Thus, it offers a rich understanding of who he was, how his thought took shape and evolved, and why he is still relevant in the early 21st century. This is the first book in English which examines Hurtado and his thought. "Social Justice and the Sacred" will be of interest to several different audiences. Scholars and students of Latin American history will appreciate the way it grounds Hurtado and his influence in that region's historical development. Researchers and students in theology and spiritualty, as well as church leaders, will find it of value for its examination of how Hurtado fits into the arc that leads from the conservatism of the 19th century to the strong social concern (and even liberation theology) of the 20th century. The book-or at least chapters from it-lend themselves to being used in undergraduate and graduate courses on theology, Latin American Studies, and history"--