Liberation Theology (Chapter 16) Flashcards
what does marx mean by historical materialism?
All processes of the world are governed by physical material forces, humans contribute to the material conditions are in turn are affected by them
History indicates that people cannot manage sustained periods of stability and in turn society has to be rebuilt regularly (historical materialism)
according to marx what factors lead to alienation?
means of production
god and religion
how has god and religion led to alienation?
‘the abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is the demand for real happiness’
said belief that god drove history is false happiness and leads to false illusions. abolition of religion would get rid of this
how has means of production led to alienation?
in a capitalist society when what matters is prodution of goods everyone becomes alienated and dehumanised
this is because the worker has no power to control production and is merely ‘an appendage of the machine’
what does marx mean by bourgeoise and proletariat?
marx named 2 classes. bourgeoise (owners of production) and proletariat (the workers)
marx said revolution occurs when people realise their place in society isn’t governed by god or nature and have attempted to free themselves
what does marx mean by praxis?
idea derived from historical materialism
praxis is the belief that as history is constantly changing, then humans have the ability to understand the material conditions of any situation and change them
“philosophers have only interpreted the world in various ways; the point is to change it”
how does marx influence LT on historical materialism?
established LT as a contextual theology by reversing traditional top down with a bottom up theology.
as marx argued once we see how history has developed the material and economic basis for society then we can understand other human institutions.
how does LT use the idea of ‘bottom up’?
As a bottom up theology begins with actual human experience of suffering, alienation and hope
thus, christian materialists argue that the kingdom of god isn’t heaven, but a reversal of material society based on christian values
“blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (matthew 5:5)
how is LT influenced by critique of capitalism?
share the basic idea that humans are designed to work and be productive (genesis 1:28)
jose porfirio miranda used marx suspicion of private property influencing the idea of land owner thinking he controls those who live on his land
how does jose porfirio miranda criticise marx?
says capitalism has been about due to human sin at the beginnging of time
says the cause of private ownership is provided in the second amendment (against idolatry) which warns against treating God as an object
jose porfirio miranda said marx not believing in god meant he didn’t understand
how did marx influence the 3rd ever meeting of the latin american catholic church catholic bishops at puebla in 1979?
coined the term ‘integral liberation’ which is the idea that promoting liberation is an essential part of the church’s role
puebla’s call was for this to occur with ordinary people being involved in the church decision making process
this was controversial as the church was previously viewed as an extension of the state
how has marx influenced LT on praxis?
Lt points to the live of Jesus in the Bible where he fights inequalities and see this as an example for them to follow.
“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” (John 8:7)
Christian theology doesn’t have the tools to do analysis necessary into the causes of inequality and thus many theologians turn to marx as an explanation
how has marx influenced LT on social sin and alienation
makes christians re-think their view of sin. in traditional terms sin refers to personal disobedience of God’s will lT considers sin in the social and economic structures of society, they refer to this as structural sin which causes members of society to become isolated from one another on a deeper level.
what does boff mean by “companion along the way’?
says that marxism’s influence regarding structural sin could be seen through the original sin and so it merely helped.
how does joseph ratzinger believe marxism has too much engagement with LT?
1984 - “Instruction on certain aspects of ‘theology of liberation”
says its reductionist, by interpreting sin in terms of social structures it equates salvation with praxis and revolution, not gods grace
