The "real context"

The term Liberation Theology does not seem to get much attention these days, at least not by name. In light of recent statements by Pastor Jeremiah Wright, it is important to understand this ongoing endeavor to unite theology and sociopolitical concerns. It seems quite interesting that some critics have compared liberation theology with marxism. In fact, some have implied that liberation theology and marxism are indistinguishable.

What should we know? The basic goal of liberation theology is to employ a class analysis, which divides the culture between the oppressor and the oppressed. Concerning liberation theology, a section from the Evangelical Dictionary of Theology reads, "The biblical notion of salvation is equated with the process of liberation from oppression and injustice. Sin is defined in terms of man's inhumanity to man. Biblical history then becomes important insofar as it models and illustrates this quest for justice and human dignity.

One of the results is that suffering and pain become the motivating force for knowing God. Certain preachers, professors, and theologians often complain that they are taken out of context. The underlying problem is that the vast majority of people do not understand the context. The "real context" is liberation theology. Once this is understood, it is clear that their statements are very much in context. The context being a theological viewpoint that is a departure from the historic Christian faith. What are some of the ramifications?

more to come...

-craig