Liberation Theology

Jesus the Liberator

   

  

      Liberation theology is actually the title of a list of theologies that all deal with a central feature: the liberation of individuals and the striving for a utopian society.  Mainly found in third world countries, liberation theology is similar to the social gospel movement in the United States.  Though there are many forms of liberation theology, every form promotes liberation--whether it is liberation from poverty, or from social inequality. 
      Within liberation theology there are some great elements that the church can glean.  One element is a passion for the downtrodden, the weary, the oppressed, the orphan, the widow, the poor.  As Christians we are called to live out our faith and reach out to those who are in need.  Another aspect is theology needs to be applied.  What good is theology if it does not do anything other than satsify the mind? 
      Even though these positive influences exist, liberation theology has some serious lackings as a "Christian" theology.  In a paper I was reading about liberation theology from a person who follows liberation theology, I found that liberation theology views the Bible metaphorically.  (I am including a link to this paper at the end.)  For liberation theologians, creation is essentially good.  Sin is not an offense against God, but merely an act against a fellow human, as found in the case of Cain and Abel. Therefore, man does not really need a savior.  This alone is disturbing.  The Bible is quite clear about man's sinful nature and need of a savior.  Apart from Christ, we can do nothing. 
      With their lax notion of sin, liberation theology views Jesus Christ as mainly a liberator from sinful societal structures.  Some of these theologies see him as a model and others believe that his liberation is sacramental.  Because liberation theology views man as essentially good, it believes that we can change society and someday develop a utopia. 
      Liberation theology truly is a mixed bag of good and bad fruit.  In its attempt to bring about a changed utopian society, it lost sight of the natural interpretation of the Bible, the inherent sinfulness of man, the most definite need of a savior, Christ's atoning work on the cross, the spiritual needs of people above and beyond the physical needs, and others.  As such, liberation theology looks like a nice wonderful apple, but when one bites into it, the apple turns rancid as the rottenness is found within.  Though liberation theology is appealing on the outside, it is not based solidly on God's word and thus is found lacking. 




Here is the link to the article I read...

http://www.socinian.org/liberty.html