Liberation theology
Movement developed by Roman Catholic thinkers and activists in Latin America in the 1960s
that viewed freedom from social oppression as a key area of Christian concern.
Priest Gustavo Gutierrez wrote ‘Teología de la Liberación’ (1971), suggests that theology
should start with human suffering rather than intellectual and rational reflection, as Christians
should be moved to fight for justice.
Contrasts liberation theology with modern European theology, as it is heavily concentrated
on making a spiritual case for God against atheism, however salvation is a total gift and
should be applied to all.
Liberation theology isn't about reforming political structures, however it is about abolishing
the status quo leading to suffering, and producing a different set of relationships which have
lead to production and the economy. (Socialist / communist in nature).
Political basis
Brutal exploitation over last 500 years in latin America from colonial powers such as Spain,
Church frequently associated with the elite and landowners. No development of middle class
in Latin America, as push to reduce reliance on imports, meant industries were control by
capitalist business elite causing a continued impoverishment for most people.
Flaws in economic development - 1954 CIA overthrow of government of Guatemala,
motivated by USA wanting to protect US owned fruit company
1970 some inspired priests took part in the Sandinista revolution in Nicaragua, influencing
rebellions in Columbia and Mexico.
However, Liberation theologians such as Gustavo Gutierrez haven’t promoted violence,
despite being sympathetic to communist and socialist ideas
1968 - Catholic bishops met in medellin issuing a statement urging church to action on
behalf of the poor, denouncing ‘institutionalized injustice’, believing that they were acting in
accord with principles of the vatican.
The religious basis of Latin America theology
Scripture suggests that all people should be liberated from structures which cause
oppression:
- Exodus accounts (1-14), God hears cries of oppressed people and leads them from
Egypt to the promised land, to establish a society free of alienation
- Many prophets criticise social injustice, as well as those who are religious although
they treat others inhumanely. Micah 6:8 “what is good, and what does the Lord
require of you but to do justice’
Movement developed by Roman Catholic thinkers and activists in Latin America in the 1960s
that viewed freedom from social oppression as a key area of Christian concern.
Priest Gustavo Gutierrez wrote ‘Teología de la Liberación’ (1971), suggests that theology
should start with human suffering rather than intellectual and rational reflection, as Christians
should be moved to fight for justice.
Contrasts liberation theology with modern European theology, as it is heavily concentrated
on making a spiritual case for God against atheism, however salvation is a total gift and
should be applied to all.
Liberation theology isn't about reforming political structures, however it is about abolishing
the status quo leading to suffering, and producing a different set of relationships which have
lead to production and the economy. (Socialist / communist in nature).
Political basis
Brutal exploitation over last 500 years in latin America from colonial powers such as Spain,
Church frequently associated with the elite and landowners. No development of middle class
in Latin America, as push to reduce reliance on imports, meant industries were control by
capitalist business elite causing a continued impoverishment for most people.
Flaws in economic development - 1954 CIA overthrow of government of Guatemala,
motivated by USA wanting to protect US owned fruit company
1970 some inspired priests took part in the Sandinista revolution in Nicaragua, influencing
rebellions in Columbia and Mexico.
However, Liberation theologians such as Gustavo Gutierrez haven’t promoted violence,
despite being sympathetic to communist and socialist ideas
1968 - Catholic bishops met in medellin issuing a statement urging church to action on
behalf of the poor, denouncing ‘institutionalized injustice’, believing that they were acting in
accord with principles of the vatican.
The religious basis of Latin America theology
Scripture suggests that all people should be liberated from structures which cause
oppression:
- Exodus accounts (1-14), God hears cries of oppressed people and leads them from
Egypt to the promised land, to establish a society free of alienation
- Many prophets criticise social injustice, as well as those who are religious although
they treat others inhumanely. Micah 6:8 “what is good, and what does the Lord
require of you but to do justice’
