liberation theology Flashcards
Q: What two ways did Liberation Theology challenge traditional Christianity?
- Influenced by atheistic ideologies like Marxism.
- Claiming charity was insufficient for living up to Jesus’ teachings in helping the poor.
Q: When and where did Liberation Theology become popular?
A: It began in the 1950s and became popular in the 1960s, especially in Brazil.
What did young Catholic South American theologians claim about Jesus’ teachings?
They claimed that Christians should work towards addressing poverty in a more systemic way.
According to Liberation Theologians, what is the cause of poverty according to Marx?
Poverty is caused by the exploitation of the working class due to the private ownership of the means of production.
What is the difference between traditional theology and Liberation Theology regarding orthodoxy and orthopraxis?
Traditional theology starts with orthodoxy and then prescribes action (orthopraxis), whereas Liberation Theology begins with orthopraxis and then figures out the orthodoxy.
What are the two kinds of liberation according to Gutierrez?
Social and economic liberation from human-caused poverty and oppression, and liberation from sin through reconciliation with God.
How do Liberation Theologians view the Kingdom of God?
As something to be fixed in this world through fighting exploitation and oppression, not just in the afterlife.
Why is the influence of Marxism on Christianity controversial?
Because Marx was strongly against religion, viewing it as an opiate that dulled pain and prevented action.
How do Liberation Theologians justify the influence of Marxism?
By accepting Marx’s economic views while rejecting his anti-religious views, using his analysis to efficiently achieve Jesus’ goal of helping the poor.
What is the ‘preferential option for the poor’?
The belief that the Bible and Jesus show a preference for helping the poor, indicating that addressing poverty is part of Jesus’ example.
How does Pope John Paul II’s view on poverty differ from Liberation Theologians?
He focuses on spiritual poverty and charity, while Liberation Theologians focus on addressing the structural causes of economic inequality.
What Biblical basis supports Liberation Theology?
Verses like “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God” and “sell your possessions and give to the poor” from Matthew.
Q: What is a criticism against the Biblical basis for Liberation Theology?
Some argue that Jesus focused on individual sin and forgiveness rather than societal structures, as seen in his teachings to pay taxes to Caesar.
Q: How does Reza Azlan critique the view of Jesus as an apolitical figure?
By suggesting that some verses were added later to depoliticize Jesus for Roman society, arguing that earlier gospels present Jesus as more politically active.
Q: What is the argument for capitalism according to Adam Smith?
Capitalism harnesses human selfishness to provide products and services that people are willing to pay for, potentially reducing poverty through innovation and economic growth.
