`REDISCOVERING OUR DIGNITY'—AN APPRAISAL OF THE UTOPIA OF LIBERATION IN LATIN AMERICA

Abstract

This article is based on the supposition that `liberation theology' constitutes one of the most important contemporary utopias, in parallel with the utopias emerging from feminist and eco-pacifist movements. The author examines the social roots for the development of a liberation theology and considers the different social forces within the Latin American Church. This new utopia of liberation existing in Latin America is analysed from the level of theoretical construction and pastoral practice to the repercussions of these practices in the social movements themselves. The influences of feminist and eco-pacifist utopias on the social movements and practices guided by liberation theology are also examined. It is concluded that these movements have enabled oppressed peoples in Latin America to `rediscover their dignity', but that the challenge of `transforming a utopia of liberation into a liberated reality' remains.