The treatment of the exodus theme found in the classical formulations of liberation theology evinces its pivotal role in the emergence of contemporary theological reflection guided by the preferential option for the poor. Theologians discerned in the exodus story the inspiring image of a God of life who lovingly identifies with the victims of oppression. The liberative meaning of such an image resulted in the elevation of the exodus account to a paradigmatic status.

Eventually, however, various theologians began to point out that the exodus theme is inseparably linked to the biblical account of the invasion and attempted extermination of the indigenous peoples of Canaan. Such theologians questioned the paradigmatic value of the exodus story and called for a more critical reception of the biblical account in light of its underside of death, dispossession, and oppression – indeed, of an explicitly idealized genocide.

Among the theological voices highlighting the critical status of Canaan for responsible theological reflection are key Native American and womanist contributions. Both Native American and womanist theologians have demonstrated how the challenges surrounding the exodus/conquest narrative intersect with the challenges of structural violence and social invisibility in the U.S. context. This dissertation seeks to engage these intersecting challenges and develop a constructive response as a contribution toward the process of healing the deep structural wounds of North America.

The project, then, amounts to an extended meditation on the preferential option for the poor in light of my context as a U.S. liberation theologian. The transformations envisioned by Native American and womanist theologians - as well as Palestinian theologians - speak to the heart of U.S. Christianity. As such, it is my conviction that addressing the aforementioned challenges pertains to the integrity and credibility of Christian life and theological discourse in the United St