Liberation theology saw its birth in the oppressive grievious social-political conditions typical of Sounth America in the 1960-70s. According to the movement's most famous champion, the Peruvian Roman Catholic priest, Gustavo Gutiérrez, liberation theology "is a theological reflection born of shared experience in the effort to abolish the present unjust situation and to build a different society, freer and more human." Concern for the poor and oppress was, therefore, the primary motivation for liberation theology, which aligns with the heart of Jesus more than most of us would give it thought. Over the years, however, the movement has floundered because it became yoked with Communist concepts and praxis rather than with Scriptures, so that, for some liberation theologians, even violence and revolution is justifiable actions. Living as he preached, outspoken liberation theologian Camilio Torres was killed in an ambush in February 1966 in Colombia.
Because of its manner of operation, and its lack of a sufficiently robust biblical basis, liberation theology's influence and impact can only be said to be limited both in space and time.
Further Reading & Resources:
Eddy Muskus, "Liberation Theology: Origins and Early Development," Foundations 29 (Autumn 1992): 30-41.
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Sidney Garland, "Liberation Theology and the Ulster Question," Foundations 15 (Autumn 1985): 21-34.
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