Hope: The Convergence and Divergence of Marxism and Liberation Theology

Abstract

This article aims to explore the common grounds and the differences between Marxism and liberation theology, which both focus on “hope” as a convergence for profound dialogues. On the one hand, both in Marxism and in liberation theology, hope is firstly an orientation for a better quality of life within one’s lifetime than in the afterlife which is beyond the reaches of humankind. The eschatology, according to both Marxism and liberation theology, is a form of optimism in which “hope” plays a crucial role. Hope is oriented toward the liberation and freedom of the poor, the marginalized, the exploited, the oppressed, the insignificant, or the despised in capitalist society. Hope is a marvelous impetus for humankind to achieve the future success promised by both Marxism and liberation theology. The need of this impetus is due to the unfulfilled hope in capitalist societies where economic exploitation and political oppression have been sanctified by the capitalist system of private property. Although the actualization of hope is not yet witnessed as a fact but still an “as if” ideal, the belief both in Marxism and liberation theology is persistent on the realization of hope through human actions. So both their action and effort demonstrate the commitment to human rights and social justice.