Liberation Theology DCT

Question 1

What is the central claim of Liberation Theology?

Answer 1

That Christianity should involve addressing structural economic inequality as part of following Jesus’ teachings.

Question 2

How does Liberation Theology challenge traditional Christianity?

Answer 2

By integrating Marxist analysis and arguing charity alone is insufficient to help the poor.

Question 3

What is orthopraxis?

Answer 3

Practice-based theology; starting with action and forming beliefs from what works.

Question 4

What is orthodoxy?

Answer 4

Correct belief; traditional theology starts with doctrine and then prescribes action.

Question 5

What was Gutierrez’s view on the two kinds of liberation?

Answer 5

First, social and economic liberation; second, liberation from sin.

Question 6

What was Segundo’s view on liberation?

Answer 6

Spiritual liberation must come before social/economic liberation.

Question 7

What is Marx’s concept of alienation?

Answer 7

Workers are disconnected from their labor because they don’t own what they produce.

Question 8

Why is Marxism controversial in Liberation Theology?

Answer 8

Because Marx was strongly anti-religious.

Question 9

What did Marx call religion and why?

Answer 9

‘Opiate of the masses’ – it dulls suffering and prevents revolutionary change.

Question 10

How do Liberation Theologians respond to Marx’s anti-religious stance?

Answer 10

They accept his economic critique but not his atheism.

Question 11

What is the ‘preferential option for the poor’?

Answer 11

The biblical idea that God favors the poor and oppressed.

Question 12

How does Pope John Paul II interpret the preferential option for the poor?

Answer 12

As part of Christian charity, focusing also on spiritual poverty.

Question 13

What is Liberation Theology’s main criticism of charity?

Answer 13

It only treats symptoms of poverty, not its structural causes.

Question 14

What does Kloppenburg argue about Jesus and political action?

Answer 14

Jesus focused on individuals and did not address structural societal sin.

Question 15

What biblical quote shows Jesus opposing wealth?

Answer 15

‘It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven.’

Question 16

How does ‘Give unto Caesar’ challenge Liberation Theology?

Answer 16

Jesus implies separation between faith and politics.

Question 17

How does the Exodus story support Liberation Theology?

Answer 17

It portrays God liberating people from systemic oppression.

Question 18

What was Dom Helder Camara’s famous quote?

Answer 18

‘When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a communist.’

Question 19

What is the Medellin Document?

Answer 19

A 1968 Liberation Theology manifesto blaming Latin America’s poverty on global capitalist structures.

Question 20

How do capitalists critique Liberation Theology?

Answer 20

They argue capitalism has lifted millions from poverty, unlike Marxist regimes.

Question 21

What does Adam Smith say about human nature and economics?

Answer 21

That capitalism channels selfishness into serving others.

Question 22

How do capitalists respond to Jesus’ anti-wealth teachings?

Answer 22

They argue wealth today results from creating useful products, unlike in Jesus’ time.

Question 23

What is Pope John Paul II’s critique of socio-economic focus?

Answer 23

It becomes anthropocentric and risks secularizing Christianity.

Question 24

How does Reza Azlan critique ‘my kingdom is not of this world’?

Answer 24

Claims it was added to depoliticize Jesus for Roman approval.

Question 25

What’s the importance of 'seek first the kingdom of God'?

Answer 25

Jesus places spiritual priorities above material concerns.

Question 26

How does 'Give unto Caesar' reflect Jesus' political stance?

Answer 26

It suggests religious and political realms are separate.

Question 27

What does Liberation Theology say about individual action?

Answer 27

Enough individuals following Jesus would lead to structural change.

Question 28

Why is Marxism seen as invalid by some?

Answer 28

Because of historical failures like the USSR and economic fallacies.

Question 29

What are some Marxist ideas Liberation Theology accepts?

Answer 29

Class struggle and structural causes of poverty.

Question 30

What does the success of capitalism show, according to critics of Marx?

Answer 30

That capitalism can lift people from poverty more effectively than revolution.

Question 31

What happened to poverty rates between 1960 and 2012?

Answer 31

They dropped from 70% to 17%, often attributed to capitalism.

Question 32

What is spiritual poverty according to John Paul II?

Answer 32

A void created by addiction to materialism and superficial pleasures.

Question 33

Why do some theologians defend using Marx’s methodology?

Answer 33

Because it helps explain and combat the causes of oppression.

Question 34

What does the quote 'the poor are blessed' suggest?

Answer 34

Jesus favored and uplifted the poor in his teachings.

Question 35

How does Liberation Theology aim to interpret the Bible?

Answer 35

Through the lens of social justice and systemic reform.

Question 36

What does the phrase 'my kingdom is not of this world' suggest?

Answer 36

That Jesus' message was spiritual, not political.

Question 37

How might faith distract from structural injustice?

Answer 37

By encouraging believers to wait for heaven instead of seeking justice now.

Question 38

Why do some argue Liberation Theology is unbiblical?

Answer 38

Jesus never directly challenged political or economic systems.

Question 39

How is Gutierrez’s view different from traditional theology?

Answer 39

He prioritizes fixing this world before addressing sin.

Question 40

What is spiritual liberation?

Answer 40

Freedom from sin and reconciliation with God.

Question 41

What is economic liberation?

Answer 41

Freedom from structural poverty and oppression.

Question 42

What is anthropocentrism in JP II’s critique?

Answer 42

A focus on human needs that sidelines the transcendent.

Question 43

What was the economic condition of Latin America during Liberation Theology’s rise?

Answer 43

Underdeveloped, with governments heavily involved in the economy.

Question 44

What does capitalism require for someone to become rich today?

Answer 44

Creating products or services people voluntarily pay for.

Question 45

Why does Kloppenburg reject Liberation Theology?

Answer 45

Because it fuses theology with political ideology.

Question 46

How does Liberation Theology interpret Jesus’ life?

Answer 46

As a call to liberate the poor through social change.

Question 47

What does 'Christianity plus capitalism are insufficient' mean?

Answer 47

That even Christian-run capitalist systems fail to eradicate poverty.

Question 48

What is the ultimate goal of Liberation Theology?

Answer 48

Creating a more just and equal society based on Jesus’ teachings.