Liberation Theology Research Articles

Memerdekakan Hak Orang Terpinggirkan: Analisis Teologi Pembebasan terhadap Karya Yayasan Kristen untuk Kesehatan Umum

The Christian Foundation for Public Health (YAKKUM) is a social foundation engaged in public health, focusing on all religious communities, including marginalized people who do not get justice. This research aimed to analyze how YAKKUM’s works to liberate the rights of marginalized people from the perspective of De La Torre’s liberation theology. This research used a qualitative descriptive analysis method with a literature review approach, observation, and interviews with credible participants. We found that YAKKUM is a social movement in the health sector that transforms the lives of people with services, empowerment, and guidance accompanied by compassion. Through work units, YAKKUM provides transformative services and empowers and guides marginalized people to live in peace and prosperity. YAKKUM’s efforts to liberate marginalized groups are tangible actions that manifest through a vertical relationship with God and are realized horizontally with fellow humans.

Jürgen Moltmann. In Memoriam

It is no exaggeration to say that the German Reformed theologian Jürgen Moltmann is one of the most important Christian theologians of the second half of the XX century. His life experience, his defining book The Theology of Hope (1967), and his ecumenical ministry extended his influence not only beyond Protestant circles but also beyond Christianity as such. Political theology, liberation theologies, the social gospel, and the struggle for justice have all been shaped in one way or another by Moltmann's theological thoughts. His concept of the “Crucified God” remains one of the main Christological themes in the study of systematic theology. Contemporary Christian thinkers owe Moltmann at least for the fact that because of his efforts, theology went beyond the academic classroom, found its embodiment in various resistance movements, and became public. Jürgen Moltmann lived a long life, did much for the development of Christian theology, and left behind a rich legacy of writings, teachings, and students. Today, perhaps, there is not a single area on the list of doctrines in which his name is not mentioned in one way or another.

“The Public Practice of Humanity”: How Antislavery Writing Matters Now

Abstract Henry David Thoreau and Frances E. W. Harper offer a historical model for the public humanities grounded in racial justice and moral education. For both Thoreau and Harper, the “public practice of humanity” that Thoreau identifies in “A Plea for Captain John Brown” inescapably means taking the side of justice, creating a “liberation humanities” that is analogous to the “preferential option for the poor” in twentieth-century theologies of liberation. Both authors use a mix of theologically informed moral reasoning and wit and irony to further the cause of justice, and both are concerned with the ways in which literary form and public advocacy can coalesce.

Mahjabeen Dhala, Feminist Theology and Social Justice in Islam: A Study on the Sermon of Fatima

Mahjabeen Dhala, Feminist Theology and Social Justice in Islam: A Study on the Sermon of Fatima, New York: Cambridge University Press, 2024, pp. 224, ISBN 978-10-0942-307-6.

Theology Goes Public: Richard Shaull’s Dialogue with Public Issues, Social Sciences, and Ecumenism in “The New Revolutionary Mood in Latin America” (1962)

Since the arrival of Protestants in Brazil, the presence of Protestant educational institutions became a reality. Seminaries were founded at the end of the 19th century, focusing on the training of clergy without much concern for dialogue with other churches or with society at large. Public issues, ecumenism—through dialogue and cooperation between Protestants and Catholics—and interdisciplinary theological approaches only became current concerns in the mid-twentieth century, especially with liberation theologies—both Protestant and Catholic. Before that, however, one of the authors who was able to grasp these dimensions in his theological endeavour was Richard Shaull, who, through his theological method, opened a dialogue with the social sciences in order to interpret the reality in which he placed Christian action and mission. Through bibliographical research and document analysis, focusing on the reading of “The New Revolutionary Mood in Latin America”, a report on Latin America presented by Shaull to the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Missionary Board, the article aims to show Shaull’s theology, institutionally located, as one that thinks about public issues in dialogue with social sciences and considers its implications for and within Christian churches. In the light of studies on public theology, this paper presents Richard Shaull’s writings as a theological approach to the church, considering its ecumenical stance; to society, considering its most pressing issues of the time; and to academia, through the interdisciplinary dialogue he undertakes with the social sciences.

The Barthian Revolt or the New Modernism: Karl Barth and the Limits of American Evangelical Theology

Throughout the twentieth century, U.S. American evangelicals engaged in an ongoing series of definitional debates over the contours and limits of a distinctly evangelical approach to theology. Developed as an explicit counter to theological liberalism—and often signaled by strict adherence to biblical inerrancy—American evangelical theology might conceivably have made common cause with Karl Barth, whose infamous rebellion against his liberal teachers became one of the founding events in the story of twentieth-century Christian theology. Despite Barth’s putative anti-liberalism, evangelical theologians never fully embraced Barthian theology, consistently vilifying it as un-evangelical and beyond the pale. In this essay, I recover the history of U.S. American evangelical theologians wrestling with Karl Barth and his legacy, highlighting how an enduring aversion to Barthianism became a key feature of evangelical theology.

A Theology of Liberation: History, Politics, and Salvation. By Guztavo Gutiérrez. Translated and edited by Sister Caridad Inda and John Eagleson. 50th Anniversary Edition, with a new Introduction by Michael E. Lee. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2023. lxiv + 301 pages. $32.00 (paper).

<i>A Theology of Liberation: History, Politics, and Salvation</i>. By Guztavo Gutiérrez. Translated and edited by Sister Caridad Inda and John Eagleson. 50th Anniversary Edition, with a new Introduction by Michael E. Lee. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2023. lxiv + 301 pages. $32.00 (paper).

O verbo se fez classe: O trabalho e a exploração do homem em três poemas de Pedro Casaldáliga

The present work aims to analyze and compare three poems contained in the book Versos adversos: Antologia (2006) by the bishop and activist Dom Pedro Casaldáliga, highlighting his focus on the marginalized and exploited, particularly concerning labor themes. It is a bibliographic research with a sociological approach, corroborated by the assumptions of Candido (2006), The Capital (Marx, 2023); Communist Manifesto (Engels; Marx, 2005), and How to Do Liberation Theology (Boff; Boff, 2001).

A study on the development of Korean feminist theology in 2011-2024 : focusing on Korean Association of Women Theologians

A study on the development of Korean feminist theology in 2011-2024 : focusing on Korean Association of Women Theologians

The Unredeemable Sin: Inheritance, Gothicism, and the Possibility of Salvation in The House of the Seven Gables

Abstract The House of the Seven Gables is a Gothic romance that deals with the conflict of ownership and inheritance in a uniquely American setting of New England. This paper argues that The House of the Seven Gables’ happy marriage of Phoebe Pyncheon and Holgrave does not redeem the Pyncheons’ sinful past and the apparent unraveling through marriage functions as an act to maintain the class distinction and to present ownership as an Eden-like and natural state of affairs. Discussed in a religious context, the Gothic modes in the novel, though secularized to an extent, completely conform to this prevalent interpretation. The subversion of the Puritan Calvinist theology and entailed predestination and its containment in liberal theology allows the present generation to redefine their condition by their own will. This new, semi-Jeffersonian world of the present leaves the conflict of ownership unresolved; questions about the lawful and just rights of property and inheritance are too readily overshadowed by the optimistic and lightsome ending of the novel.

SPIRITUAL HYBRIDITY IN ANA CASTILLO'S FEMALE CHARACTERS: A STUDY OF SO FAR FROM GOD AND THE MIXQUIAHUALA LETTERS

This paper explores the spiritual hybridity in Ana Castillo's novels "So Far From God" and "The Mixquiahuala Letters," focusing on the unique spiritual journeys of Mexican-American women. Castillo's storytelling delves into the complexities of spiritual identities, blending Catholicism with indigenous beliefs, curanderismo, and feminist ideologies. The paper examines how Castillo's female characters navigate the intersection of these diverse belief systems, challenging the traditional patriarchal structures within the Chicano community and the Catholic Church. Highlighting the criticism of the Catholic Church by Chicana activists, the paper discusses how Castillo's characters retain their Catholic faith while becoming politically conscious feminists. This synthesis challenges the binary view of being either a feminist or a Catholic, emphasizing the coexistence of feminist perspectives with traditional beliefs. In "So Far From God," Castillo portrays characters like Sofi, Esperanza, and Caridad, who embody spiritual syncretism as resistance, empowerment, and healing. This blend of traditions offers resilience against societal norms and historical wounds. Similarly, "The Mixquiahuala Letters" reveals the intertwined nature of feminism and spirituality through the correspondence between Teresa and Alicia, where their feminist spirituality acts as both a personal empowerment tool and a means of political resistance. The paper concludes that Castillo's portrayal of spiritual hybridity in these novels is central to the self-discovery, assertion, and communal union of her female characters. Their spirituality, a mix of endurance, survival, and empowerment, challenges stereotypes and patriarchal assumptions in Chicano communities. Castillo's narrative underscores the importance of spiritual hybridity in cultural and political resistance, offering a transformative perspective on the lives and struggles of Mexican-American women.

Is Pope Francis a Marxist?

Abstract Pope Francis has been widely portrayed by the popular media as a ‘revolutionary left-wing’ Pope, owing to his open stance on same-sex relationships and his harsh criticism of capitalism. His South American background has also led the media to casually associate him with the tradition of liberation theology, whose methodology is deeply influenced by Marxism. In this article, I argue that Pope Francis’s public theology is neither a Marxist theology nor a liberation theology, as some critics have suggested. In contrast, his theology is an assemblage of the critical heritage of Catholic social thought, Franciscan theology of the poor, Argentine theology of the people, and Ignatian pastoral theology.

Silence is Complicity: Theological Failure in the Face of Genocide

Abstract In this article, we argue that public theologians have a rich tradition from which to argue for the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people. In particular, Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s resistance to the co-opting of Christianity by the Nazi regime is frequently cited in theological circles as an exemplar. Yet, we find major public figures and theological societies, such as the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and the United Kingdom’s Society for the Study of Theology (SST) to be wanting in this regard. From an examination of Welby’s comments on the Israeli bombardment in Gaza, and the SST’s response to our open letter and the lament from Palestinian Christians, we argue that theologians are failing. We draw on Palestinian liberation theology and anticolonial theologies to argue that the work of liberation is the raison d’être of theology and requires political activism. We conclude, therefore, that theological silence is complicity in injustice.

Safe spaces for marginalised young people: Ambivalent pastoral engagement of Pentecostal churches in the slums of Guatemala

Many marginalised young people in Guatemala City, one of the poorest and most dangerous cities in the world, face a bleak future. Faced with poor prospects, many turn to the Mara youth gangs, where crime and drug abuse are part of everyday life. The Pentecostal churches offer an alternative to the power of the Mara gangs. They offer safe spaces for young people as they are respected by the Maras. In this way, they open up a path to resocialisation and rehabilitation. However, the rehabilitated young people also criticise the Pentecostal churches, especially the neo-Pentecostal churches, which promote the prosperity gospel. On the one hand, the article reflects on the ambivalent role of Pentecostal churches for marginalised young people and, on the other hand, points to the relevance of a politically motivated liberation theology that is committed to a just society in this world. Marginalised young people need solidarity, social justice and liberation from violence. In view of the ‘culture of violence’ in Guatemala, the practical liberation theology D. Aguilar Ramírez proposes a peace-building process based on a non-violent God. This approach could contribute to the comprehensive healing of marginalised young people and their culture.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The article makes it clear that pastoral practice is a critical corrective for Christian doctrine and ecclesiology. Qualitative empirical research should be strengthened as an analytical instrument of practical theology. This requires stronger interdisciplinary cooperation between theology and sociology.

The Development of the Structure of Feeling in the Brazilian Liberation Theology Movement

Raymond Williams’s concept of the “structure of feeling” aims to describe the shared experiences, attitudes, and emotions of social groups at specific historical moments. However, this theory has been criticized for lacking a rigorous theoretical framework, clear definitions, and boundaries, as well as for failing to adequately explain its interaction with mainstream ideology. This paper attempts to address these issues through the lens of the Brazilian Liberation Theology movement. The “structure of feeling” established by Brazilian Liberation Theology departed from the traditional hierarchical system of the Church, aligning itself instead with emerging cultures and the practices of grassroots church communities. Under the repression of the military government, the mainstream Church began to accept certain aspects of Liberation Theology rather than viewing it solely as radical and threatening. Although Liberation Theology gradually waned after the fall of the military regime, its adjusted “structure of feeling”—devoid of its radical elements but still focused on social justice and poverty—profoundly impacted the global Catholic Church. The experience of the Brazilian Liberation Theology movement illustrates that a “structure of feeling” can transcend the dichotomy between consciousness and materiality and the crux lies in individuals discovering and asserting their own existence; such a “structure of feeling” can either emerge from within existing ideologies or challenge them directly; its relationship with mainstream ideology is significantly shaped by specific historical contexts; certain facets of emerging emotions are selectively incorporated into mainstream ideology, typically in ways that mitigate their more radical implications.

Young Black American’s Use of Afrocentric and Black Liberation Spiritual-Based Practices to Thrive Amid Racism: A Meta-Synthesis

Researchers have proposed Afrocentrism and Black Liberation Theology as two culture-specific frameworks that may explain why spirituality contributes to Black American’s capacity to thrive, despite ongoing encounters with racism that can lead to diminished mental health. Still, scholars have not examined the connection between spirituality, racism, and mental health among young Black Americans (adolescents and emerging adults) through an integrative lens of Afrocentrism and Black Liberation Theology. A meta-synthesis permits researchers to synthesize and draw new meaning to existing qualitative studies. As such, we synthesized qualitative data from 16 studies that included the voices of approximately 288 Black adolescents and emerging adults to understand processes involved in their use of Afrocentric and Black Liberation spiritual-based practices to thrive and navigate mental health-related challenges sparked by racism and other intersecting forms of social oppression. Findings revealed four interconnected components: (a) Commitment to a Spiritual Identity, (b) Critical Consciousness, (c) Connecting to the Transcendent, and (d) Collectivism and Communal Support. This study shows how a meta-synthesis was employed to provide an in-depth understanding of Black youths’ use of spiritual resources to thrive amid racism and intersectional oppression.

Expressions of whiteness? A Black ecclesiological reflection on Fresh Expressions of Church

The article presents a critical literary analysis of the Fresh Expressions of Church movement, which started in the United Kingdom (UK) and was subsequently adopted by some mainline churches in South Africa. The authors review the genesis of the movement and its models, development and approaches in order to understand its relevance for the post-apartheid South African context. The authors then critically compare, through a literary analysis, the theological praxis of the Fresh Expressions movement and bring it into critical dialogue with some Black Liberation Theologians and Steve Biko of the Black Consciousness Movement who, when apartheid was at its height in South Africa, argued for a ‘Black expression’ of church. In the article, the authors reach a dramatic point by asking whether a ‘fresh expression’ is indeed needed, in the light of an existing ‘Black expression’ of faith and lived religion in South Africa that has historically been ignored and stifled. The article concludes with a call to embrace Black Ecclesiology in the post-apartheid context.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The article concludes with a call to embrace Black Ecclesiology in the post-apartheid context.

TEOLOGI PEMBEBASAN PALESTINA

The Theology of Liberation in Palestine has become a phenomenon influencing the dynamics of religion, politics, and identity in Palestine and worldwide. This paper analyzes the connection between Palestinian Liberation Theology and Latin American Liberation Theology, as well as its influence on the perception and participation of Christians in the Palestinian liberation movement. The research method employed is a literature review, focusing on relevant literature search, selection, content analysis, comparison, and critical evaluation. The research findings indicate that Palestinian Liberation Theology shares the same roots as Latin American Liberation Theology, focusing on liberation from oppressive structures and restoring dignity to the oppressed. This theology has strengthened the identity of Palestinian Christians and fostered ecumenical cooperation, motivating them to engage politically in the struggle for Palestinian independence. Practical support from global Christians is reflected in concrete actions and social activities, such as support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement against Israel. Palestinian Liberation Theology has been a source of inspiration and strength for Christians in Palestine and worldwide to advocate for justice and promote sustainable peace in the region.

Is God a Woman? Female Faces of God in Contemporary Cinema

Film, as a medium, serves not only as a significant source of entertainment but also as a powerful instrument in shaping attitudes, beliefs, behaviours, social norms, and identities. Since its inception, cinematic art has been closely intertwined with religious themes, with many film narratives drawing implicitly or explicitly from biblical texts and religious traditions. Consequently, theologians and ecclesiastical authorities were quick to identify film as a potential locus theologicus. Given film’s ability to spark debates on deeply ingrained views and beliefs, feminist theology, which critically reflects on gender power relations within religious communities and theological texts, finds it intriguing to explore how cinematic narratives can challenge the millennia-old depiction of God as a man. This article aims to examine how the art of cinema contributes to theological reflections on the female metaphors of God, particularly through female Christ-figures and God-figures, which occasionally appear in films such as Chocolat, All That Jazz, Always, Dogma, and The Shack. These characters defy traditional religious language, which often employs masculine imagery and metaphors for God, portraying female God as an independent chocolatier, a single mother, an elegant hairdresser, a beautiful young seductress, a curvaceous African American bread maker, and a witty, clownish girl. In these cinematic depictions, female God is compassionate, empathetic, kind, witty, forgiving, and profoundly in love with her human creations. At the same time, all of these female characters are powerful, assertive, strong, and self-confident.

Black Readings of Exodus

Most academic study of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament in North America has been done from a White European or North American perspective. Post-graduate schools have predominantly required students to read works written by White authors, and the vast majority of professors are White. However, the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament also has a long history of interpretation by non-White and Majority World thinkers, and their contributions need to be more widely acknowledged and employed in studying the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. This article surveys the contributions of Black Hebrew Bible/Old Testament scholars on the book of Exodus. Black scholars employ a variety of methods and approaches as they engage with the biblical text. We consider these approaches by category, beginning with textual criticism and translation before exploring works that focus on Africa in the Bible, those that draw on African or African American context, and those that highlight issues of gender or the perspectives of liberation theology. We conclude with those employing multi-faceted or integrative approaches.