Liberation Theology Flashcards
(32 cards)
Who was Gustavo Gutierrez
Peruvian priest-taought in some of the most deprived areas in LatAm
Viewed Christ as the liberator from political, as well as spiritual, oppression
What years did Liberation theology begin to develop
1960s
What is the distinction Gutierrez makes between Latam and European theology
European-Scientific age, intellectual, rational, everyones needs are met so deeper questions can be asked(maslows hierarchy)
LatAm-Dying, Violence, Corruption, Inequality-Theology comes from suffering and pastoral care
What do Leonardo and Clodovis Boff say that Liberation Theology sprang from
Faith confronted by oppression
What does gutierrez say is the overall aim of Liberation Theology
Abolishing the status quo that has lead to such suffering and replacing it with better institutions(politicial edge)
Who was Walther Rauff
SS soldier-Reinhard Heydrich’s Aide and later invented and operated operated mobile gas chambers in ww2
The US, Catholic Church and Israel conspired to get him to South America, continuing his work in intelligence-worked for Pinochet in Chile-US Backed dictator-killed and suppressed 1000s of chileans
When did the CIA overthrow the guatemalan govt and why
1954-Protect the US owned fruit monopoly operating there
Which conference and where did Liberation Theology become mainstream
Medellin
1968
THey issued a statement which urged church action on behalf of the poor and against institutionalised injustice and violence
Whhat biblical accounts do liberation theologians use to justify themselves
Exodus-Moses frees the israelite slaves
Jesus’ first sermon in an announcement of liberation-plus his whole thing(crossan) of breaking down social barriers
Acts-Early church had somewhat of an ascetic/unmaterialistic lifestyle
Camel through eye of a needle then a rich man into heaven
Cant love god without loving other humans-John 4:20
What is the Liberation theology interpretation of Christ
Current views have placed Christ outside of history and lead to a passive view of of human suffering
Jesus preached an earthly and inclusive society commited to equality and justice
What three key factes of Jesus’ life for liberation theologians
His relationship with the zealots-A violent nationalist jewish organisation against the romans
His attitude towards clerical religious leaders in his community
His death via the Roman Government
What was Jesus’ opinion on the Zealots
There was at least one zealot among his disciples
Though Jesus was not as nationalistic as the zealots, (accepted the samaritans), he must have had similar aims, and therefore had a political nature to him
What was Jesus’ attitude towards church leaders
Condemned too much legalism-He who is without sin cast the first stone, and they played a role in his death
What does Jesus’ execution prove
He was a threat to roman authorities and peace in the region, and was political by nature-not just spiritual
Why does Guterriez say Jesus did not set up his own state or community for the long term in his life
He was caught up in the belief of apocalypticism, but since we now know that is unlikely, we have to prepare to live the rest of our lives as best we can
What is orthodoxy and praxis
Orthodoxy-Right thought
Praxis-action, as opposed to theory
What is orthopraxis
Right practice-correct ethical conduct
In traditional theology, does orthodoxy come first
Yes-Gutierrez says this came out of religion being treated as a science from the 12th century-but this did little to help the world
What does Marx say about praxis
Philosophers have only interpreted the world; the point is to change it
What did pope john xxiii declare about the catholic church and what years did he reign
It was to be a church of the poor-58-63
What are the three types of poverty Gutierrez distinguishes between
Material poverty-Consistently condemned in the bible-deprivation of basic goods and services
Spiritual poverty-The inner attitude of being willing to do gods willing unconditionally-often gets confused with spiritual poverty
Voluntary poverty-Act of the church choosing to be poor to identify with poverty more(Also Kenosis)-Gutierrez notes the church in acts volunteers its goods to everyones welfare
Why is the exact theology of liberation theology hard to pin down
Its emphasis on praxis over orthodoxy means less focus is on specific doctrine
What are the liberation theologians crticism of attempts to explain why poverty exists
They only exist to maintain the status quo e.g. poor people are stupid/lazy/ignorant rather than them being a necessity of capitalism
What is the preferential option for the poor
The idea that the poor must be prioritised in the fight for social justice-one of the few liberation theology ideas embraced by the vatican
