Theology - LT and Marx

Question 1

What is the starting point of Liberation Theology, according to Leonardo and Clodovis Boff?

Answer 1

The perception of scandals such as hunger, oppression, and marginalization, prevalent not only in Latin America but throughout the Third World.

Question 2

According to Boff & Boff, what are the three levels of injustice addressed by Liberation Theology?

Answer 2

On the social level: collective oppression, exclusion, and marginalization; on the individual level: injustice and denial of human rights; on the religious level: social sinfulness contrary to the plan of the Creator.

Question 3

How do the Boff brothers define the minimum response needed in the face of such injustice?

Answer 3

They advocate for compassion and solidarity, a “suffering with” those who are oppressed and marginalized.

Question 4

What role do the Boff brothers assign to Christians in Liberation Theology?

Answer 4

They advocate for a prophetic commitment to the cause and struggle of the marginalized, aiming to end historical social iniquity (sin).

Question 5

Who do the Boff brothers identify as the “poor” in Liberation Theology, and how is this concept related to Karl Marx’s idea of the Proletariat?

Answer 5

The poor are those exploited by a capitalist system, including the underemployed, unemployed, and migrant workers. This concept resonates with Marx’s idea of the Proletariat as the working class/poor.

Question 6

What action do the Boff brothers emphasize as necessary in Liberation Theology, and why does it take precedence over theology and contemplation?

Answer 6

They emphasise “liberating action” (praxis) over theology and contemplation because action is needed to bring about liberation. Contemplation alone is insufficient.

Question 7

According to the Boff brothers, why is giving aid or charity to the poor deemed ineffective in Liberation Theology?

Answer 7

Aid or charity treats the poor as objects of charity rather than individuals and can increase dependency, making it harder for people to escape poverty.

Question 8

What is “conscientisation” in the context of Liberation Theology, and why is it crucial for liberation to occur?

Answer 8

“Conscientisation” refers to the process of becoming aware of the causes of oppression and organizing to address them. It is crucial for liberation because it empowers the oppressed to take coordinated action.

Question 9

What role do Christians play in Liberation Theology, according to the Boff brothers?

Answer 9

Christians should be at the forefront of liberation movements, making common cause with the poor and working for the gospel of liberation.

Question 10

How do the Boff brothers prioritise actions and theological reflection in Liberation Theology?

Answer 10

They emphasise that actions (orthopraxis - right actions) come first, followed by theological reflection (orthodoxy - right teachings), preferably from those actively involved in liberation efforts.

Question 11

Why do liberation theologians advocate for social justice?

Answer 11

Liberation theologians believe that all humans are made in God’s image and worthy of honor and respect. They view the Kingdom of God as a transformation of society rather than just a heavenly realm.

Question 12

How do liberation theologians expand the traditional view of the battle against Original Sin?

Answer 12

They argue that freedom (liberation) must involve the elimination of social sin, also known as ‘structural sin,’ which encompasses injustices within institutions and social structures.

Question 13

What is meant by ‘social sin’ in the context of liberation theology?

Answer 13

‘Social sin’ refers to injustices embedded within institutions and social structures, such as biased education and justice systems that perpetuate alienation and exploitation.

Question 14

How does liberation theology utilise Marxism?

Answer 14

Liberation theology employs Marxism’s analysis of capitalism, alienation, and exploitation to understand and challenge social sin, viewing Marxism as a tool for reinterpreting the Christian message in a specific context.

Question 15

What is the primary approach of liberation theology in addressing societal issues?

Answer 15

Liberation theology emphasises action (praxis) over belief, advocating for the transformation of structures that cause social sin, as capitalism has failed to bring about meaningful change.

Question 16

Why has liberation theology faced resistance from Church and state authorities?

Answer 16

By prioritising the needs of the poor over official Church teaching (orthopraxis before orthodoxy), liberation theology has been viewed as radical and subversive, leading to opposition from Church and state authorities.

Question 17

What is the concept of ‘preferential option for the poor’ in liberation theology?

Answer 17

It is the belief that Christians have a duty to stand in solidarity with the poor, advocating for their rights and actively working to alleviate their suffering.

Question 18

How does liberation theology approach theology in relation to the poor?

Answer 18

Liberation theology adopts a ‘bottom-up’ approach, starting with the material conditions of the poor rather than imposing official Church teaching on them, similar to Karl Marx’s critique of societal injustice.

Question 19

What distinguishes liberation theology from traditional Christian theology?

Answer 19

Liberation theology prioritizes action for social justice and solidarity with the marginalized, challenging existing power structures, whereas traditional Christian theology may focus more on personal salvation and adherence to doctrinal beliefs.

Question 20

Which biblical verse is often cited by liberation theologians to support their view of the Kingdom of God?

Answer 20

“‘In fact, the kingdom of God is among you.’ (Luke 17:21)”

Question 21

Who was Karl Marx, and what were his major contributions?

Answer 21

Karl Marx was a 19th-century German economist and philosopher known for his ideas on communism. He authored works like The Communist Manifesto and Capital, which laid the foundation for Marxism.

Question 22

How does Liberation Theology utilise Karl Marx’s theories?

Answer 22

Liberation Theology incorporates Marx’s theories of alienation and exploitation to understand poverty but doesn’t fully embrace Marxism. It views Marx’s ideas as tools for comprehending social injustices and advocating for change.

Question 23

What was Marx’s vision for society?

Answer 23

Marx aimed for a classless society, a communist state, where systems causing class divisions, including religious institutions and capitalism, would be abolished.

Question 24

Define bourgeoisie and proletariat in the context of Marxism.

Answer 24

Bourgeoisie refers to the ruling class who own the means of production, while the proletariat denotes the working class who sell their labor to the bourgeoisie.

Question 25

What is historical materialism according to Marx?

Answer 25

Historical materialism is Marx’s theory that all historical processes, including conflicts and harmony, are driven by material or physical conditions, with societies experiencing cycles of conflict and harmony.

Question 26

What are Marx’s theories of alienation and exploitation?

Answer 26

Alienation occurs when humans are dehumanized and unable to live fulfilling lives, while exploitation happens when individuals are treated as objects and used for others’ benefit.

Question 27

How does Marx critique religion in his theory?

Answer 27

Marx sees religion as a form of false-consciousness that perpetuates exploitation. He argues that belief in God leads to acceptance of earthly injustices and empowers the ruling class to maintain control.

Question 28

What role does praxis play in Marx’s philosophy?

Answer 28

Praxis is central to Marx’s philosophy, emphasizing that change comes through a critical reflective process that moves from analysis to action, including the possibility of revolution.

Question 29

What criticisms have been raised against Marx’s theories, particularly regarding historical materialism?

Answer 29

Critics argue that Marx’s theories are deterministic, unrealistic in their vision of work, ideological themselves, and potentially incite violent revolution, raising ethical concerns about advocating for such radical change.

Question 30

How does Marx view division of labor and its impact on society?

Answer 30

Marx sees the extreme division of labor in capitalist economies as leading to alienation and dehumanization. He advocates for a society where individuals can freely choose their roles, contrasting with the rigid structure of capitalist labor.

Question 31

What were the circumstances in Latin America in the 1960s that led to the emergence of Liberation Theology?

Answer 31

Latin America in the 1960s was marked by widespread poverty and a significant gap between the rich and the poor, fueled by government corruption and oppression.

Question 32

Who is Archbishop Oscar Romero, and what role did he play in the Liberation Theology movement?

Answer 32

Archbishop Oscar Romero, later canonized as a saint by Pope Francis in 2018, was the Archbishop of San Salvador, El Salvador. Initially cautious about politicizing theology, Romero became a vocal advocate for the rights of the poor after witnessing the murder of a fellow priest. He was assassinated in 1980 for his outspoken advocacy.

Question 33

What are the key tenets of Liberation Theology?

Answer 33

Liberation Theology advocates for social justice, prioritizing the needs of the poor, and a “preferential option for the poor.” It emphasises right actions (orthopraxis) over right beliefs (orthodoxy) and sees the Kingdom of God as a transformation of society in the present.

Question 34

How does Liberation Theology utilise Marxism?

Answer 34

Liberation Theology uses Marxism as a tool to analyze social conditions, particularly in understanding alienation and exploitation of the poor. This includes employing a Marxist reading of the Bible through a “hermeneutic of suspicion.”

Question 35

What criticisms has Liberation Theology faced, especially regarding its use of Marxism?

Answer 35

Critics have challenged Liberation Theology’s use of Marxism, citing concerns over its compatibility with Christian doctrine and its atheistic nature. Some argue that it is too selective in its use of Marxist thought, while others question its emphasis on material poverty over spiritual poverty.

Question 36

How does Liberation Theology view social sin and structural sin?

Answer 36

Liberation Theology sees social sin or structural sin as injustices embedded in social structures, leading to alienation and exploitation. It highlights the complicity of institutions like the Church in perpetuating these injustices.

Question 37

What is the stance of the Catholic Church on Liberation Theology, and how has it evolved over time?

Answer 37

The Catholic Church has been cautious about fully endorsing Liberation Theology, especially due to its use of Marxism and emphasis on material poverty. While past popes like John Paul II and Benedict XVI were critical of it, Pope Francis has shown more sympathy towards its ideas, emphasising a focus on the poor.

Question 38

What role do Christian Base Communities play in Latin America, especially concerning the poor?

Answer 38

Christian Base Communities stand in solidarity with the poor by emphasizing orthopraxis over orthodoxy. They provide food, shelter, pastoral care, and teach the basics of Christian belief.

Question 39

How is the relationship between orthopraxis and orthodoxy summarized in Christian Base Communities?

Answer 39

The relationship is summarized as “bread before theology,” signifying that attending church and being loyal to religious teachings is meaningless without actively striving to be a good human being, especially towards the poor.

Question 40

What are the two acts/steps involved in orthopraxis according to Liberation Theology?

Answer 40

Orthopraxis involves first act praxis and second act praxis. First act praxis entails living among the poor, experiencing their plight, and identifying necessary changes. Second act praxis involves judging societal issues through the lens of the Bible and taking action to bring about change.

Question 41

What are the three mediations that underpin Liberation Theology, and what do they entail?

Answer 41

The three mediations are:
1. SEEING (Socio-analytic mediation) - analyzing society using Marx’s theories,

2. JUDGING (Hermeneutic mediation) - using the Bible to judge societal changes, applying a Marxist hermeneutic of suspicion, and
3. ACTING (Practical mediation) - taking practical steps to bring about societal change.

Question 42

Why is the second mediation (Judging) considered crucial in Liberation Theology?

Answer 42

The second mediation (Judging) involves interpreting societal issues through the Bible and applying a Marxist hermeneutic of suspicion. Without this theological component, Liberation Theology risks losing its Christian foundation, rendering its spiritual values powerless and irrelevant in effecting societal change.

Question 43

How did class divisions emerge according to Marx’s analysis?

Answer 43

Class divisions emerged as society created a surplus, leading to control over the means of production by a wealthy class, which alienated the working class from the products of their labor.

Question 44

What is the concept of the “preferential option for the poor” in Liberation Theology?

Answer 44

The “preferential option for the poor” is a central tenet of Liberation Theology, emphasizing a preference for the marginalized and powerless in society, following Jesus’s example of associating with the poor and oppressed.

Question 45

How does Liberation Theology view the relationship between spiritual and earthly liberation?

Answer 45

Liberation Theology sees both spiritual and earthly liberation as essential. It emphasises liberation from socio-economic injustices and sin, advocating for active involvement in transforming society to achieve both types of liberation.