lib theology discussion

• Should Christian theology engage with atheist secular ideologies?

  • The Vatican’s big worry is that Marxist ideology is to save everyone by developing a socialist society - church salvation is only found through Jesus
  • undermining Christian world view. 
  • They are two different ideologies and obviously Marxism is an atheistic ideology.
  • Others say Christianity has adopted theistic evolution and the big bang theory. 
  • Genesis 2:19 - humans duty to learn about the world
  • Leonardo Boff says Liberation theology’s inspiration is the Gospel.
  • He says Christians must reject Marxism’s closed  monolithic (huge) socialist society which rejects God.
  • Christianity must engage with the secular (non religious) 
  • But it must not look through the lens of those political ideologies.
• Does Christianity tackle social issues more effectively than Marxism?

  • Lots of people are rich and lead desperate lives. 
  • Money causes problems for everyone, rich or poor - Marx claimed that through revolution would change things
  • Yet China and Cuba (communist countries) have the rich and poor like everywhere else.
  • Christianity with its emphasis on the individual is doing a lot more to help people in real life everyday Food banks, Christian Aid, Salvation Army etc
  • Christianity can offer support and hope to those involved in the struggle. Marxism cannot. For Christians the promise of salvation in heaven is a comfort.
  • The idea of the K of G is a positive. While Marx called it the opium (opiate) of the people, the idea does call for action on this earth. It helps people living in this earth.
• Has liberation theology engaged with Marxism enough?

  • A few priests swapped the dog collar for a gun in South America in the 60s and 70s. 
  • But many liberation theologians did not agree with the idea of a need for a revolution.
  • L&C Boff “Marxism tells the Liberation theologian what is happening to the poor and how to overcome it. 
  • Writer Jose Miranda argues;
  • ‘The bad institutions still exist despite Christianity and Marxism. So we need to revolutionise how we view it. Real conversion is needed.’
  • he thinks liberation  theology must reject the social economic system too. 
  • Latin America there has been a rise in Social/Marxism in terms of leaders of Venezuela and brazil
  • Miranda argued that there are similarities between Christianity and Marxism about the need for major change in society either through a Revolution (Marxism) or the coming Kingdom of God (Christianity). 
• Has liberation theology engaged with Marxism enough?

  pt 2

  • British Theologian Denys Turner said Liberation theology needs to engage with Marxism more.
  • To deal with the question of whether God exists or not he said it should embrace the apophatic way.
  • i.e. talk about what God is not so never positively asserting God exists so there is nothing for Marxism to deny. 
  • Then we can have meaningful dialogue with Marxists.
  • Why would Christians want to talk to Marxists who say religion is part of the problem?
• Is it right for Christians to prioritise one group over another?

  • Surely Christianity is based on equality?
  • The  Boff brothers argue a case can be made to say Christians must help the poor and oppressed.  (Bible-Sheep & Goats).
  • HOWEVER, while many religious groups actively help the poor, lib theo suggests that God will actively side with the poor against the rich.
  • Gustavo Gutierrez said ‘He is a God who takes sides with poor. The reciprocal relationship between God and the poor is at the heart of the bible’.
  • The Vatican has criticised Jon Sobrino for a similar view. The Church says ‘the poor are a preoccupation but no group is a priority as all are called to be saved.’ John Paul II strongly made the point that the Matthew 5:3 ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit’ can include materially rich people.
  • However the Church undoubtedly has a special focus on the poor e.g. nuns and monks make a vow of poverty as it gets them closer to God. 
• “Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” Mark 10:24-25