Liberation Theology
Liberation Theology is an important and controversial school in the theology of the Roman Catholic Church after the Second-Vatican-Council. It has had particularly widespread influence in Latin America and among the Jesuits.
In essence, Liberation Theology explores the relationship between Christian theology (usually Roman Catholic) and political activism, particularly in areas of social justice and human rights. Due to the controversial nature of these topics, their place within the Church and the extent to which Church officials should uphold them have been a matter of corresponding controversy.
Liberation Theology focuses on Jesus as a liberator. Emphasis is placed on those parts of the bible where Jesus' mission is described in terms of liberation, and as a bringer of justice.
Some of its followers add Marxist concepts and supported Sandinism. The Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has ordered those theologians considered heterodox to cease publishing.
Liberation theologians
Passages from the Bible
- He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. (Luke 1:51-53)
- And if your brother becomes poor, and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall maintain him; as a stranger and a sojourner he shall live with you. Take no interest from him or increase, but fear your God; that your brother may live beside you. You shall not lend him your money at interest, nor give him your food for profit. I am the Lord your God, who brought you forth out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan, and to be your God. (Leviticus 25:35-38)
- The community of believers were of one heart and one mind. None of them ever claimed anything as his own; rather, everything was held in common. With power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great respect was paid to them all; nor was there anyone needy among them, for all who owned property or houses sold them and lay them at the feet of the apostles to be distributed to everyone according to his need. (Acts 4:32-35; see also 2:42-47)
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