Liberation Theology & Marx Flashcards
Who was Archbishop Oscar Romero, and why is he significant to liberation theology?
Archbishop Oscar Romero was a conservative priest who became a vocal advocate for justice after the murder of a friend. He was assassinated in 1980 for speaking out against oppression in El Salvador. His stance reflects the core principles of liberation theology.
Why is liberation theology considered controversial?
Liberation theology actively engages in political and sociological analysis, critiques both secular culture and the Church, and prioritizes the needs of the poor over official Church teachings, making it radical in the eyes of many religious and state authorities.
What is contextual theology, and how does it relate to liberation theology?
Contextual theology reflects on specific societal situations using Christian traditions. Liberation theology is a form of contextual theology as it responds to political and social injustices through Christian teachings.
Why do liberation theologians critique Western secularism?
They believe secular culture wrongly separates politics and religion, prioritizing material concerns over spiritual matters, whereas Christianity should be involved in both.
How does Karl Marx’s critique of capitalism relate to liberation theology?
Marx’s analysis of alienation and exploitation helps liberation theologians understand and address social injustices, though they reject his atheistic conclusions.
What is historical materialism according to Marx?
It is the idea that history progresses through material forces, where economic structures shape society, leading to periodic instability and reconstruction.
What is Marx’s view on alienation?
Alienation occurs when workers have no control over their labor, becoming mere tools of production in capitalist societies.
How does Marx link religion to oppression?
Marx argued that religion supports social hierarchy by promising rewards in the afterlife, preventing people from challenging unjust systems.
What are the bourgeoisie and the proletariat?
The bourgeoisie are the wealthy ruling class who control production, while the proletariat are the working class who are exploited for labor.
Why do liberation theologians find Marxism useful?
Marxism provides a framework for analyzing social injustice and economic exploitation, aligning with the Christian call to aid the poor.
Do liberation theologians fully accept Marxism?
No, they use Marx’s economic analysis selectively while maintaining their Christian theological foundations.
How does historical materialism influence liberation theology?
It reinforces the idea that theology should begin with the poor and their lived experiences rather than abstract doctrines.
Why do liberation theologians critique capitalism?
They argue capitalism creates systemic injustice by concentrating wealth and power in the hands of a few while exploiting the poor.
How does José Porfirio Miranda integrate Marxist thought into liberation theology?
He applies Marx’s critique of private property to Christian teachings, arguing that capitalism’s emphasis on ownership leads to oppression.
What was the significance of the Puebla Conference (1979)?
It reinforced the idea that the Church must address economic injustice and advocated for a “people’s church” where ordinary people have a voice.
What is praxis in liberation theology?
Praxis is the combination of reflection and action against injustice, following Jesus’ example.
How does liberation theology redefine sin?
Sin is viewed structurally, meaning unjust social systems perpetuate sin by oppressing the poor.
What was the Vatican’s stance on liberation theology in 1984?
The Vatican criticized it for overemphasizing political liberation and using Marxist ideas, arguing that Christianity should focus on spiritual liberation.
What is Alistair Kee’s critique of liberation theology?
Kee argues that liberation theologians do not fully engage with Marx’s atheism and fail to challenge secular capitalism effectively.
What is the preferential option for the poor?
It is a principle that Christians, especially those in power, should prioritize helping the poor and oppressed.
What is the Marxist view on revolution?
Revolution is necessary to overthrow oppressive systems, often requiring violent means if peaceful change is impossible.
How does Pope John Paul II’s view differ from liberation theologians?
He acknowledged the need to help the poor but emphasized spiritual poverty and charity over political activism.
Do liberation theologians support violent revolution?
Most do not, but some, like Camilo Torres Restrepo, believed violence was justified if necessary for justice.
How did Cardinal Ratzinger criticize liberation theology?
He argued that Marxism is inherently anti-Christian and that revolution in the name of the poor often leads to oppressive regimes.
What is the distinction between orthodoxy and orthopraxis in liberation theology?
Orthodoxy refers to correct doctrine, while orthopraxis emphasizes right action, meaning helping the poor is more important than strict adherence to doctrine.
What are the two stages of praxis in liberation theology?
First act praxis: Acting in solidarity with the poor, living alongside them.
Second act praxis: Reflecting on these actions theologically to develop strategies for systemic change.
What are the three mediations in liberation theology?
Socio-analytical mediation (Seeing): Analyzing the economic and social causes of oppression.
Hermeneutical mediation (Judging): Interpreting these causes through a biblical and theological lens.
Practical mediation (Acting): Taking concrete action to address injustice.
What is the main criticism of liberation theology’s approach?
Critics argue it leans too heavily on Marxism, emphasizing economic issues over spiritual concerns and potentially distorting Christian doctrine.
Why do some believe liberation theology has failed?
Some argue it has not effectively tackled secular capitalism and has been too conservative to push for real structural change.
What is a possible future direction for liberation theology?
Alistair Kee suggests that a new stage beyond secular capitalism could be a form of spiritual socialism, blending Marxist economic ideas with Christian spirituality.
