Liberation Theologies in USA

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

In an age of rampant bloodshed, pollution, economic inequality, and human rights violations, how can we even begin to see the fullness of these problems clearly let alone move towards effective solutions for them? What resources are there within the Christian tradition to help us reorient our own perspectives and practices towards solidarity, attentiveness, equity, and justice? Liberation theology “is a theology done through the eyes of the poor” and it “originates in an epistemological presupposition that Christ has a particular identification with those who are marginalized – that is with those who are excluded” to quote Roberto Gozuieta. Therefore, in order to fully see Christ and understand his work and teachings of justice and mercy, the theologian must see and be in solidarity with the marginalized. This course will first examine the robust concept of the poor as presented in the Hebrew Bible and New Testament. It will then go on to examine foundational works in liberation theology as well as apply those works to ethical dilemmas and problems of injustice someone living in contemporary American society must face. This class is primarily discussion-based, which means we will work through the texts and specific ethical cases together dialectically. Students will be asked to prepare discussion questions for each class.