Liberation Theology, Sustainable Development, and Postmodern Public Administration

Abstract

Christianity has tended to stress acceptance of injustice and oppression as simply a side effect of political organization. Arguably, this form of has legitimized suffering while reinforcing an oppressive theory of justice. From this hermeneutical vantage point, theologians, philosophers, and social scientists are now rereading the social context of escapist worldviews (Gutierrez, 1999; 1973; Sobrino, 1993; Miranda, 1981; Metz, 1969; Derrida, 1962). This development is dramatically new, since Latin America and the Third World continue to be the focus of revolutionary change based on the continued struggle for justice in response to the continued disparity between rich and poor nations (Gutierrez, 1984a; 1993a; 1993b; Dussel, 1985; Boff, 1984; Miranda, 1974). Progressive Christians and Marxists have pointed to international capital and oppressive social and political structures as the main culprits in this disparity. Christianity's use of Marxist praxis in what is known as the theology of has heavily influenced the ongoing discourse on resistance to global hunger, injustice, and oppression (Sobrino, 1994; Schillebeeckx, 1987; Boff and Boff, 1985; Gutierrez, 1984b; Tamez, 1982). Theologians, philosophers, and social scientists in both the First and Third Worlds have increasingly turned to Marxist social analysis for greater clarity in their reflections regarding this ongoing discourse (Gutierrez, 1993a; 1993b; Sobrino, 1984; Moltmann, 1984; McGovern, 1980; Segundo, 1976). Moreover, liberation theologians argue that contemporary Christianity is challenged as it confronts Marxist interpretations of increasing poverty and inequality throughout the world (Brown, 1997; Boff and Boff, 1987; Gutierrez, 1973). Largely because of Marxist influence, theologians have