González argument begins with a strong definition of what “catholic” means. He argues that “True catholicity implies that, as new perspectives are brought into the conversation on the Christian faith, new insights into that faith are discovered”(p.21). This argument is substantiated throughout the book. The failure of the church to practice true catholicity has resulted in a multitude of atrocities committed by and on behalf of the church over the centuries including economic abuse (p.25) and social abuse through the establishment of class systems (p.30).

González argues through the writings of Paul’s experience at Pentecost (p.44-45), that the purpose was not to conform but that all languages be spoken and thereby all people not just listen but also be heard as they were all prophesying in their own tongues and being understood.

González’s writing on “mestizo” (p.59-60), caught my attention. “The hyphen itself seems to indicate that there is an irresoluble difference and tension between these two identities. Segregation is not the way. Hyphenation is not the way. The goal is not to make one giant culture but to create the coexistence of all cultures in peace and harmony. The work of the church is to start practicing this now. While we are unlike to achieve it to the extent the End of Days will show that it can be done, it should not deter us from continually striving toward that goal.

The argument for true catholicity culminates in, my personal favorite, examples of the eating of the scrolls in Revelation 10:9 and Ezekiel 2 and 3 (p.85-91). These verses tell of how the tiny scroll is just a tiny part of the mystery of history (p.86), a small part of a much bigger picture. All of those who prophesy speak only a piece of the puzzle therefore in God’s holy catholic church, all voices throughout history and across cultures must be put together to receive the whole of the message.

Gonzalez, Justo L. For the Healing of the Nations: The Book of Revelation in an Age of Cultural Conflict. New York: Orbis Books, 2002. The current edition is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Nations-Revelation-Cultural-Conflict/dp/1570752737/ref=sr_1_1?crid=KLNPDO7F5088&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8ICVO4g0sr9UMrnhuevUXjPWfxBqMkNmtx8d4JRSTdg04y04JOBBZ7muuPfhOcrRE06m3O8HntCaD4fHTL1NMJFY33WS_WGoNqPSw9zKra6dxrfCwBVbo24Up8Mq2aCMa8-rbxvAcwCvgKFnSYiifHqioz_cO7S2wQ6rsPhg5XYZJo1TDpNDbP3vWY8AasA-8LBm5aWSZmmMEZDqkt1IdxxuhJawpD9UFoZKI0AfIM0.Ozk571wTGbnh9UOIn9CL6xIaJJSL2Xv7pzcsnwe_TIc&dib_tag=se&keywords=for+the+healing+of+the+nations&qid=1727885002&sprefix=for+the+healing+of+the+nation%2Caps%2C246&sr=8-1