Liberation theology
Liberation theology is a theological approach emphasizing the liberation of the oppressed. The term originated among Latin American Catholic theologians in the 1960s, and it has increasingly been used to describe similar approaches in other parts of the globe. It often engages in socio-economic analyses, and emphasizes social concern for those marginalized due to their social class, race, ethnicity, gender, etc.
Liberation theology is a theological movement originating in 1960s Latin America that emphasizes the liberation of the oppressed from social, economic, and political injustices. It focuses on the needs of the marginalized, using Christian principles and Marxist analytical tools to critique oppressive structures and advocate for change. The movement interprets the Bible from the perspective of the poor and calls for active participation in social change to achieve earthly liberation and human dignity.
- Focus on the Poor: Liberation theology highlights the preferential option for the poor, arguing that God sides with the oppressed and that the church should do the same.
- Critique of Oppressive Structures: It identifies and challenges social, political, and economic structures that perpetuate poverty and injustice, seeing them as manifestations of sin.
- Latin American Origins: The term was coined by Peruvian theologian Gustavo Gutiérrez in 1971, and the movement gained prominence during a period of significant political and economic turmoil in Latin America.
- Use of Marxist Analysis: Liberation theologians often use Marxist concepts, such as the analysis of class struggle and the oppressor/oppressed dynamic, as a tool to understand and address societal injustice.
- Emphasis on Praxis: The movement stresses the importance of “praxis”—a circular relationship between theological reflection and political action—where faith is lived out in practice to effect change.
- Global and Diverse Applications: While rooted in Latin America, liberation theology has inspired similar movements in other contexts, including Black liberation theology, feminist theology, and queer theology, which address different forms of oppression.
Goals and Implications
- To transform the world by working for social justice and human liberation.
- To equip the poor and marginalized to change oppressive social structures, rather than just providing charity.
- To unite theological reflection with political practice, arguing that theology is not neutral and must be a liberating force for good.