Liberation theology and Marx

• What is liberation theology?

  A recent movement in Christianity
• What do liberation theologians believe about Jesus' teachings?

  They address poverty and economic inequality
• How do liberation theologians view Karl Marx's economic analysis?

  It shows structural causes of economic inequality
• In what two ways does liberation theology challenge traditional Christianity?

  Influence of atheistic ideologies and charity's insufficiency
• When did liberation theology begin to gain popularity?

  • Began in the 1950s
  • Gained popularity in the 1960s
  • Especially in Brazil
• What was the traditional Church's approach to poverty?

  Charity
• What did Marx claim caused poverty?

  Exploitation of the working class
• What does Marx mean by alienation in the workplace?

  Workers lack investment and identity in their work
• What do liberation theologians believe is necessary to address poverty?

  Radical change to the economic structure
• What is orthodoxy in traditional theology?

  Theological beliefs
• How does liberation theology differ in its approach to orthodoxy and orthopraxis?

  It starts with action, then determines beliefs
• What is the problem with traditional theology according to liberation theologians?

  It is disconnected from practical reality
• What is the Kingdom of God about for liberation theologians?

  Fixing this world, not the afterlife
• What are the two kinds of liberation according to Gutierrez?

  Social/economic and liberation from sin
• What did Segundo argue about the preferential option for the poor?

  Christians should not be neutral on injustice
• Why is the influence of Marxism on Christianity controversial?

  Marx was against religion
• How did Marx view religion's role in society?

  It dulled pain and prevented action
• What did Marx call religion?

  An opiate
• How can liberation theology respond to Marx's critique of religion?

  By reforming Christianity to address exploitation
• What is Cardinal Ratzinger's view on liberation theology?

  It is influenced by Marxism and unchristian
• What did Dom Helder Camara argue about helping the poor?

  Asking why they are poor is not communist
• What does the preferential option for the poor refer to?

  Helping poor people preferentially
• What did Pope John Paul II emphasize about poverty?

  Spiritual poverty is also important
• What criticism did liberation theologians have of capitalism in Latin America?

  It failed to meet people's basic needs
• What is the Biblical basis for liberation theology?

  It is founded on Jesus' teachings
• What did Jesus say about rich people entering the kingdom of God?

  It is easier for a camel to pass
• What is Kloppenburg's argument regarding liberation theology?

  It diminishes the spiritual message of Christianity
• What is the focus of liberation theology compared to Jesus' teachings?

  Injustice in societal structures vs. individual sin
• What does Matthew 6:25-34 advise regarding possessions?

  Sell your possessions and give to the poor
• What is the main message of Matthew 6:25-34?

  Where your treasure is, there your heart is
• How does the interpretation of Jesus' message relate to capitalism?

  It suggests Jesus was anti-capitalist
• What is Kloppenburg's view on Jesus' teachings about wealth?

  Rich people should give to charity
• What does Kloppenburg argue about the fusion of theology and political action?

  It diminishes the spiritual message of Christianity
• What does liberation theology focus on?

  Injustice and sin in societal structures
• How does Kloppenburg view Jesus' focus on individual sin?

  He believes Jesus did not address societal sin
• What does Jesus' response about paying taxes suggest?

  There is a disconnect between politics and God
• What does the Exodus story illustrate according to Kloppenburg?

  God cares about liberation from social oppression
• How does Christianity relate to the Jewish covenant?

  It expands the covenant to all humanity
• What does Pope John Paul II argue about socio-economic progress?

  It leads to secularization and loss of spirituality
• What does Jesus' injunction to build spiritual treasure imply?

  Focus on spiritual needs over earthly needs