Liberation Theology: Gutiérrez and Praxis
Gustavo Gutiérrez developed liberation theology emphasizing God's option for the poor and theology's responsibility to address structural injustice. Praxis (reflection-action-reflection) guides transformative engagement.
Real World
During El Salvador's civil war, Archbishop Oscar Romero applied liberation theology's praxis cycle — witnessing peasant massacres, reflecting theologically on scripture, and publicly denouncing military violence — before his assassination in 1980.
Exam Focus
When evaluating liberation theology, engage the Vatican's critique (Marxist analysis) alongside its strengths; 'evaluate' questions require substantive counter-argument for top bands.
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