John Coffey Posted: 18 December 2009
Keywords: Christianity & Religion,
Liberation is one of the great slogans of modern politics and one of the major themes of the Bible. The Exodus from Egyptian bondage was the foundational narrative of the Jewish nation, and Jesus inaugurated his ministry by announcing that he had come ‘to release the oppressed’. Scripture teaches that Christ brings redemption from slavery to sin, but it also depicts deliverance from material forms of oppression. This paper explains how that biblical theme has inspired early modern revolutionaries and nineteenth-century abolitionists as well as modern liberation theologians. While highlighting the failings of Christian liberationists (old and new), the paper concludes that we need a holistic theology of liberation which addresses the diverse forms of spiritual, relational and material enslavement that are rife in the twenty-first century.
Our faith is nothing if it is not about liberation - from fear of death, from temptation and sin, and, yes, from poverty, oppression and injustice. The paper highlights this clearly and the challenge for Christians is to create an active, liberation theology which drives decision making at every level. We need to strive to tangibly transform our world, into a world which is infused with true Christian values, where moral, Christian principles drive action. How do we REALLY make this happen?
Steve Grant 21 December 2009
This is a good paper, giving a helpful summary of Liberation Theology - its motivations and pitfalls. I would take the view that the theological starting point of Liberation Theology - the societal situation - is the wrong place to start, and therefore leads to wrong conclusions. In my view a holistic evangelical theology should provide strong motivation to seek justice for the vulnerable/exploited/weak/poor/marginalized - and not just as a 'way-in' for the 'gospel', but as an end in itself.
Andy McWilliam 22 December 2009
I found this paper helpful in clarifying my thinking on the subject. I have just one point to make. In addition to Christians Against Poverty, there is another national organisation working through churches of all denominations that provides free, face-to-face financial advice to all who require it, namely Community Money Advice
Ian Dancy 1 February 2010