Unlike most recent studies of the Catholic Church in Latin America, Philip William's book sets out to analyze the Church in two very dissimilar political contexts - Nicaragua and Costa Rica, focusing especially on the period since Vatican II. Despite the obvious differences, Williams uses first-hand research to argue that in both cases the Church has responded to social change in a remarkably similar fashion. The efforts of progressive clergy to promote change in both countries has been largely blocked by Church hierarchs, fearful that such change will threaten the Church's influence in society.