New Mexico's Moses: Reies López Tijerina and the Religious Origins of the Mexican American Civil Rights Movement (Querencias Series)

"New Mexico's Moses: Reies López Tijerina and the Religious Origins of the Mexican American Civil Rights Movement" by Ramón A. Gutiérrez provides a compelling exploration into the life of Reies López Tijerina, a pivotal figure in the Mexican American Civil Rights Movement. Published as part of the Querencias Series on June 1, 2022, this work delves into Tijerina’s transformation from an Assemblies of God evangelist to a leading social justice advocate. Gutiérrez meticulously traces Tijerina's Pentecostal roots in the 1940s and 1950s, revealing how his faith-driven activism propelled efforts to reclaim ancestral lands for dispossessed heirs in northern New Mexico and the Southwest. The book highlights Tijerina's strategic use of biblical prophecy and secularized apocalyptic theology, providing readers with a unique lens to understand the religious underpinnings that shaped his advocacy for racial justice, religious freedom, and indigenous rights. This narrative not only translates Tijerina’s influential sermons into English for the first time but also positions them as foundational texts for understanding the religious dimensions of social movements. Ideal for adult education settings, "New Mexico's Moses" invites readers to reflect on how faith can intersect with and propel the fight for justice.