tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140892978654256514.post724523103464925795..comments2024-01-06T16:13:25.324-05:00Comments on Liberation Theology Lutheran: Meditation on This Week's GospelKristin Berkey-Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16841824206762029363noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140892978654256514.post-79990326048584391162010-02-04T06:17:31.054-05:002010-02-04T06:17:31.054-05:00I am going to simplify here; obvioulsy, whole book...I am going to simplify here; obvioulsy, whole books can and have been written on the subject. But here's the quick answer:<br /><br />Liberation Theology is a theology that emerged in Latin America during the 1950's and was a very strong theological movement throughout the 60's, 70's, and 80's. It has Catholic roots, in that many Latin American priests noticed how societal structures were set up to benefit the rich and to oppress the poor. These priests, as they read the Gospels, realized how often Jesus spoke to these kind of inequalities, and how Jesus was ALWAYS on the side of the poor and oppressed. Therefore, Liberation Theologians reason that Christians, too, should always side with the poor and the oppressed.<br /><br />Liberation Theology has some similarities with Marxism and Marxist groups (both the ones that rebel against governments and the ones that run the government), but the Christian focus, the focus on building the Kingdom of God right here and now, separates them from Marxist ideology. A true Marxist would likely scoff at the Christian idea that God is at work in the world. A liberation theologian says, how can I help God, who is at work in the world? <br /><br />It is likely true that some liberation theologians were co-opted into unsavory political movements, but that doesn't mean that no good came out of liberation theology. Like any far reaching movement (including Christianity, if we're fair), liberaton theology has its unfortunate moments amidst many instances of positive change and good done in the world.<br /><br />Again, I'm simplifying a very complex movement, but I'm hoping it's a help to you.Kristin Berkey-Abbotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16841824206762029363noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140892978654256514.post-74944433773381170762010-02-03T14:57:58.061-05:002010-02-03T14:57:58.061-05:00I know it may say this somewhere on your blog, but...I know it may say this somewhere on your blog, but what is Liberation Theology? Thanks!Christopherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13726455981254765844noreply@blogger.com