LT and marxism in relation to social sin

Question 1

LT context

Answer 1

Liberation theology grew in popularity at a time when an under-developed Latin America (where people lived in poverty ) was a key battleground in the Cold War.

Question 2

LT

Answer 2

Latin America raised the question: would it stick with capitalism or choose socialism

Question 3

LT main idea

Answer 3

Liberation theology drew on the idea that the purpose of development isn’t to increase wealth but to increase human well-being.

Question 4

marxism

Answer 4

If workers are alienated and exploited, there’s injustice. The structures of sin that support industrialisation become part of the organisational structure of society (schools, government) and injustice becomes institutionalised

Question 5

Gutierrez 1

Answer 5

Gutierrez mentions Marx’s theories and cautioned against endorsing every aspect of marxism, but believed that people of Latin America had a deep-rooted desire for liberation from the burdens of capitalism

Question 6

Gutierrez 2

Answer 6

Gutierrez called for the Church to stand with those movements

Question 7

Latin American church

Answer 7

Being Christian requires a person to be political. Gutierrez argued that it’s the responsibility of the Latin American Church to denounce every dehumanising situation that is contrary to brotherhood, justice and liberty

Question 8

Church

Answer 8

The Church must be a voice against alienation and exploitation, and right action orthopraxy should come before right belief orthodoxy.

Question 9

Class struggle

Answer 9

The class struggle is a fact and neutrality in this matter is impossible.

Question 10

Structural sin

Answer 10

To reject the class struggle is to legitimise the existing system and work as part of it. The current system embraces structural inequality and this creates structural sin.

Question 11

LT uses Marx?

Answer 11

Liberation theologians are clear that liberation theology isn’t marxist but uses Marx’s analysis of society

Question 12

LT use of Marx

Answer 12

Liberation theology freely borrows from Marxism certain methodological pointers that have proved fruitful in understanding the world of the oppressed” (Leonardo and Clodovis Boff)

Question 13

LT conclusion

Answer 13

Liberation theology concludes that capitalism has failed to satisfy the basic needs of the poor and, although socialism may not be perfect, the socialist ideal is better than the capitalist ideal.