liberation theology

Thanks to Eduardo for the post on the Ny Times article on liberation theology. I thought it was interesting that the article doesn't say much about the theological aspects of the movement. The theology of the movement was the Vatican's concern in the recent document relating to the works of Father Jon Sobrino SJ. That document, contrary to what the Times suggested, was a doctrinal and not a disciplinary document. The Vatican made it clear that the preoccupation with the poor and the oppressed is shared by the whole Church. The theological elements that the Vatican has criticized go to the core of the Christian message. The Explanatory Note accompanying the Notification states that Father Sobrino's "methodolgical errors give rise to conclusions which do not conform to the doctrine of the Church in certain key areas: the divinity of Jesus Christ, the Incarnation of the Son of God, the relationship of Jesus with the Kingdomof God, Jesus' self-consciousness, and the salvific value of Jesus' death."

The concern for the poor expressed is admirable. The practical strategies of the liberation theologians, though, should be judged by practical concerns (Will it Liberate? was the title of a book by Michael Novak on liberation theology that suggests the proper focus). The concerns that many have about liberation theology are its heterodox understanding of theology and its tendency to equate arguable political programs with the Gospel.

Maybe Eduardo could explain a bit more about why he thinks the theological aspects of the movement are so creative.

Richard M.