Book Review: A Theology of Liberation: History, Politics and Salvation

Abstract

Translation of: Teología de la liberación. Originally published: Maryknoll, N.Y. : Orbis, 1973. With new introd. This is the credo and seminal text of the movement which was later characterized as liberation theology. The book burst upon the scene in the early seventies, and was swiftly acknowledged as a pioneering and prophetic approach to theology which famously made an option for the poor, placing the exploited, the alienated, and the economically wretched at the centre of a programme where "the oppressed and maimed and blind and lame" were prioritized at the expense of those who either maintained the status quo or who abused the structures of power for their own ends. This powerful, compassionate and radical book attracted criticism for daring to mix politics and religion in so explicit a manner, but was also welcomed by those who had the capacity to see that its agenda was nothing more nor less than to give "good news to the poor", and redeem God's people from bondage. Theology : a critical reflection -- Liberation and development -- The problem -- Different responses -- Crisis of the distinction of planes model -- The process of liberation in Latin America -- The church in the process of liberation -- Statement of the questions -- Liberation and salvation -- Encountering God in history -- Eschatology and politics -- The church : sacrament of history -- Poverty : solidarity and protest.