A seed of liberty: A rhetorical analysis of the prudential homilies of Archbishop Oscar Romero

Margaret Kay Dick, Purdue University

Abstract

Archbishop Romero attempted to unify a bitterly divided society during the three years prior to the outbreak of civil war. Each week, despite persecution of his clergy and threats to his own life, Romero spoke out against human rights violations. Although well-known for his religious discourse, no rhetorical studies of Romero have been undertaken to date. This study begins a conversation on Romero's rhetoric that will lead to a greater understanding of his accomplishments as a rhetor, as well as a consideration of ways in which his strategies can inform contemporary rhetorical theory. The primary focus of this study is on Romero's construction of a subject position that encompassed his people as both members of the Church and of the State. In his construction of this identity, the bishop relied on a concept of prudence. More importantly, his prudence infused his discursive practices in such a way as to provide a model of deliberation and action for his audience. Accordingly, this study considers a genealogy of concepts of prudence from political and theological traditions, and examines Romero's discourse for the presence of each.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Stewart, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Rhetoric|Composition|Religion

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