Catholic Church's Liberation Theology
Is the one I follow and identify with the most -- law
The Basic Question:
How to Be Christians in a World of Destitution
A woman of forty, but who looked as old as seventy, went up to the priest after Mass and said sorrowfully: "Father, I went to communion without going to confession first." "How come, my daughter?" asked the priest. "Father," she replied.. For three days I have had only water and nothing to eat.. I went to communion just out of hunger for that little bit of bread
The great majority of Latin Americans are not only poor but also Christian. Liberation theology was born when faith confronted the injustice done to the poor.
Inspired by their faith -- which must include commitment to one's neighbor, particularly to the poor, if it is to be true (Matt. 25:31-46).. and by the life, deeds, and death of Christ, who made a historic option for the poor, and by the supremely liberating significance of his resurrection, many Christians -- bishops, priests, religious, nuns, lay men and women -- are throwing themselves into action alongside the poor, or joining the struggles already taking place.
Those Liberation Theology priests stand side by side with union members at picket lines and offer their church as a place of assembly and coordination.
Liberation Theology and Land Reform
The gospel was for all people
.. The gospel is not aimed chiefly at "modern" men and women with their critical spirit, but first and foremost at "nonpersons," those whose basic dignity and rights are denied them. This leads to reflection in a spirit of Prophecy and solidarity aimed at making nonpersons full human beings, and then new men and women, according to the design of the "new Adam," Jesus Christ.
What lies behind liberation theology?
Its starting point is the perception of scandals .. which exist not only in Latin America but throughout the Third World. According to "conservative" estimates, there are in those countries held in underdevelopment:
- 500 million persons starving;
- 1.5 billion persons whose life expectancy is less than sixty years
- 2billion with no regular, dependable water supply
Who cannot be filled with righteous anger at such a human and social hell? Liberation theology presupposes an energetic protest at such a situation