Liberation Theology DCT Flashcards
What is the central claim of Liberation Theology?
That Christianity should involve addressing structural economic inequality as part of following Jesus’ teachings.
How does Liberation Theology challenge traditional Christianity?
By integrating Marxist analysis and arguing charity alone is insufficient to help the poor.
What is orthopraxis?
Practice-based theology; starting with action and forming beliefs from what works.
What is orthodoxy?
Correct belief; traditional theology starts with doctrine and then prescribes action.
What was Gutierrez’s view on the two kinds of liberation?
First, social and economic liberation; second, liberation from sin.
What was Segundo’s view on liberation?
Spiritual liberation must come before social/economic liberation.
What is Marx’s concept of alienation?
Workers are disconnected from their labor because they don’t own what they produce.
Why is Marxism controversial in Liberation Theology?
Because Marx was strongly anti-religious.
What did Marx call religion and why?
‘Opiate of the masses’ – it dulls suffering and prevents revolutionary change.
How do Liberation Theologians respond to Marx’s anti-religious stance?
They accept his economic critique but not his atheism.
What is the ‘preferential option for the poor’?
The biblical idea that God favors the poor and oppressed.
How does Pope John Paul II interpret the preferential option for the poor?
As part of Christian charity, focusing also on spiritual poverty.
What is Liberation Theology’s main criticism of charity?
It only treats symptoms of poverty, not its structural causes.
What does Kloppenburg argue about Jesus and political action?
Jesus focused on individuals and did not address structural societal sin.
What biblical quote shows Jesus opposing wealth?
‘It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven.’
How does ‘Give unto Caesar’ challenge Liberation Theology?
Jesus implies separation between faith and politics.
How does the Exodus story support Liberation Theology?
It portrays God liberating people from systemic oppression.
What was Dom Helder Camara’s famous quote?
‘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.’
What is the Medellin Document?
A 1968 Liberation Theology manifesto blaming Latin America’s poverty on global capitalist structures.
How do capitalists critique Liberation Theology?
They argue capitalism has lifted millions from poverty, unlike Marxist regimes.
What does Adam Smith say about human nature and economics?
That capitalism channels selfishness into serving others.
How do capitalists respond to Jesus’ anti-wealth teachings?
They argue wealth today results from creating useful products, unlike in Jesus’ time.
What is Pope John Paul II’s critique of socio-economic focus?
It becomes anthropocentric and risks secularizing Christianity.
How does Reza Azlan critique ‘my kingdom is not of this world’?
Claims it was added to depoliticize Jesus for Roman approval.
What’s the importance of ‘seek first the kingdom of God’?
Jesus places spiritual priorities above material concerns.
How does ‘Give unto Caesar’ reflect Jesus’ political stance?
It suggests religious and political realms are separate.
What does Liberation Theology say about individual action?
Enough individuals following Jesus would lead to structural change.
Why is Marxism seen as invalid by some?
Because of historical failures like the USSR and economic fallacies.
What are some Marxist ideas Liberation Theology accepts?
Class struggle and structural causes of poverty.
What does the success of capitalism show, according to critics of Marx?
That capitalism can lift people from poverty more effectively than revolution.
What happened to poverty rates between 1960 and 2012?
They dropped from 70% to 17%, often attributed to capitalism.
What is spiritual poverty according to John Paul II?
A void created by addiction to materialism and superficial pleasures.
Why do some theologians defend using Marx’s methodology?
Because it helps explain and combat the causes of oppression.
What does the quote ‘the poor are blessed’ suggest?
Jesus favored and uplifted the poor in his teachings.
How does Liberation Theology aim to interpret the Bible?
Through the lens of social justice and systemic reform.
What does the phrase ‘my kingdom is not of this world’ suggest?
That Jesus’ message was spiritual, not political.
How might faith distract from structural injustice?
By encouraging believers to wait for heaven instead of seeking justice now.
Why do some argue Liberation Theology is unbiblical?
Jesus never directly challenged political or economic systems.
How is Gutierrez’s view different from traditional theology?
He prioritizes fixing this world before addressing sin.
What is spiritual liberation?
Freedom from sin and reconciliation with God.
What is economic liberation?
Freedom from structural poverty and oppression.
What is anthropocentrism in JP II’s critique?
A focus on human needs that sidelines the transcendent.
What was the economic condition of Latin America during Liberation Theology’s rise?
Underdeveloped, with governments heavily involved in the economy.
What does capitalism require for someone to become rich today?
Creating products or services people voluntarily pay for.
Why does Kloppenburg reject Liberation Theology?
Because it fuses theology with political ideology.
How does Liberation Theology interpret Jesus’ life?
As a call to liberate the poor through social change.
What does ‘Christianity plus capitalism are insufficient’ mean?
That even Christian-run capitalist systems fail to eradicate poverty.
What is the ultimate goal of Liberation Theology?
Creating a more just and equal society based on Jesus’ teachings.
