Liberation Theology and the Discernment Between Populisms

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article looks at the political engagement of liberation theology, understood in terms of left populism, as an expression of a particular theology of grace which is in conflict with the theology of grace that underlies forms of right populism. Forms of populism, left and right, aim at creating a people. The theology of right populism can be seen as a theology of prosperity and entitlement, to create a people whose own interests are central. A liberation theology of grace, exemplified by Leonardo Boff points to a different understanding of grace as liberating and transforming gift, creating a people for others and a people of God.