Christian movement founded in the early 1970s by Peruvian theologian Gustavo Gutierrez. Holding that the church must be the agent of liberation—political, economic, social, sexual, racial—it emphasizes the religious needs of the poor, oppressed, and marginalized.
Christian teaching which combine spirituality with political activism to obtain better conditions for the poor
a theological approach that emphasizes those passages in the Bible which depict God's action on behalf of the oppressed.
An activist movement led by Roman Catholic clergy who trace their inspiration to Vatican Council II (1965), where some church procedures were liberalized, and the Second Latin American Bishops' Conference in Medellín, Colombia 1968), which endorsed greater direct efforts to improve the lot of the poor. Advocates of liberation theology -- sometimes referred to as rationists"-- work mainly through Christian Base Communities (Comunidades Eclesiásticas de Base -- CEBs). Members of CEBs meet in small groups to reflect on scripture and discuss its meaning in their lives. They are introduced to a radical interpretation of the Bible, one that employs Marxist terminology to analyze and condemn the wide disparities between the wealthy elite and the impoverished masses in most underdeveloped countries. This reflection often leads members to organize to improve their living standards through co-operatives and civic improvement projects.
theology originating in Latin America in the 1960s, in contexts of political and economic oppression, which seeks to apply the Christian faith from the standpoint of the needs of the poor and exploited.
A theological movement, popular in the Third World, which interprets salvation, particularly as seen in the Exodus, in political terms. Therefore, the tendency is to believe the church's primary purpose is to assist in changing oppressive social, economic, and political structures.
An activist movement led by Roman Catholic clergy who trace their inspiration to Vatican Council II (1963-65), where some church views were liberalized, and the Second Latin American Bishops' Conference in MedellÃn, Colombia (1968), which endorsed greater direct efforts to improve the lot of the poor. Advocates of liberation theology have introduced a radical interpretation of the Bible, one that employs Marxist terminology to analyze and condemn the wide disparities between the wealthy elite and the impoverished masses in most underdeveloped countries. This reflection often leads advocates to organize to improve living standards through cooperatives and civic improvement projects. (from Source: A Country Study: Philippines - The Library of Congress.)
The interpretation of religious faith from the perspective of the poor, oppressed and victimized. It seeks God in a world of injustice. Found most often within Christianity.
Combined Catholic theology and Socialist principles in effort to bring about improved conditions for the poor in Latin America (20th century). (p. 947)
Liberation theology is a controversial school of theology that focuses on Jesus Christ as not only the Redeemer but also the Liberator of the Oppressed. It emphasizes the Christian mission to bring justice to the poor and oppressed, particularly through political activism.
