1st Edition

An Analysis of Gustavo Gutiérrez's A Theology of Liberation

By Marthe Hesselmans, Jonathan Teubner Copyright 2017
    96 Pages
    by Macat Library

    96 Pages
    by Macat Library

    Peruvian priest Gustavo Gutiérrez wanted to solve the problem of how the church could conduct itself to improve the lives of the poor, while consistently positioning itself as politically neutral. Despite being a deeply religious man, Gutiérrez was extremely troubled by the lukewarm way in which Christians in general, and the Catholic Church in particular, acknowledged and supported the poor. In A Theology of Liberation, he asked what he knew was an awkward question, and came to an awkward answer: the Church cannot separate itself from economic and political realities.

    Jesus showed his love for the poor in practical ways – healing the sick, feeding the hungry, liberating the oppressed. His example showed Gutierrez that economic, political, social and spiritual development are all deeply connected. His problem-solving prowess then led him to conclude that the church had to become politically active if it was to confront poverty and oppression across the world. For Gutierrez, the lives of the poor and oppressed directly reflect the divine life of God.

    Ways In to the Text 

    Who was Gustavo Gutiérrez? 

    What does A Theology of Liberation Say? 

    Why does A Theology of Liberation Matter? 

    Section 1: Influences 

    Module 1: The Author and the Historical Context  

    Module 2: Academic Context  Module 3: The Problem 

    Module 4: The Author's Contribution 

    Section 2: Ideas 

    Module 5: Main Ideas 

    Module 6: Secondary Ideas 

    Module 7: Achievement 

    Module 8: Place in the Author's Work 

    Section 3: Impact 

    Module 9: The First Responses 

    Module 10: The Evolving Debate 

    Module 11: Impact and Influence Today 

    Module 12: Where Next? 

    Glossary of Terms  

    People Mentioned in the Text 

    Works Cited

    Biography

    "Marthe Hesselmans is a doctoral researcher in Religious Studies at Boston University. Her research looks at the role of religion in shaping national identities during times of social change. "

    Dr Jonathan Teubner holds a PhD in intellectual History from the University of Cambridge, focusing on the reception of St Augustine. He is currently Associate Director of the Initiative on Religion, Politics and Conflict at the University of Virginia.