A Theology Of Liberation by Gustavo Gutierrez - Exam
  • 1. A Theology of Liberation, written by Gustavo Gutiérrez in 1971, is a seminal work that profoundly influenced both theology and social justice movements in Latin America and beyond. Gutiérrez, a Peruvian priest and theologian, articulates a vision of liberation theology that emphasizes the preferential option for the poor, arguing that the experience of poverty and oppression is not just a social issue but a deeply spiritual concern that calls for a theological framework. This book weaves together scriptural interpretation, philosophical insights, and the realities of socioeconomic injustices faced by marginalized communities in Latin America. Gutiérrez challenges the traditional ecclesiastical perspectives that often focus solely on individual salvation, suggesting that genuine faith must lead to social action aimed at liberation from systemic oppression and inequality. He draws on the teachings of Jesus and the prophetic voices of the Old Testament to advocate for a theology that is rooted in the lived experiences of the suffering, thereby inspiring a movement to engage with the struggles for justice and human dignity in a deeply entrenched socio-political context. The work serves not only as a theological catechesis but also as a call to action, encouraging both individuals and communities to participate in the transformative possibilities of faith that aims towards a more equitable and just society.

    From which social context does liberation theology primarily emerge?
A) North American megachurches
B) The medieval monastic tradition
C) European academic institutions
D) Latin American poverty and injustice
  • 2. What is the core methodological principle of liberation theology?
A) Praxis (action and reflection)
B) Scriptural literalism
C) Historical criticism
D) Doctrinal orthodoxy
  • 3. How does Gutierrez define liberation?
A) A single political revolution
B) Exclusively personal salvation from sin
C) A process with three interconnected levels
D) An economic theory of capitalism
  • 4. Which of these is one level of liberation described by Gutierrez?
A) Political liberation from social injustice
B) Liberation from artistic expression
C) Liberation from physical exercise
D) Liberation from scientific inquiry
  • 5. What is the role of the Church, according to Gutierrez's theology?
A) To focus solely on administering sacraments
B) To preserve the wealth of the institution
C) To remain separate from all political matters
D) To be an agent of liberation and social change
  • 6. How does liberation theology view sin?
A) As a mythological concept without reality
B) As synonymous with physical illness
C) As a social and structural reality
D) As only a personal, individual failing
  • 7. What is the starting point for doing theology, for Gutierrez?
A) Academic philosophical debates
B) The laws of a particular nation
C) The experience and struggle of the poor
D) The writings of the Church Fathers
  • 8. Which biblical event is central to liberation theology's understanding of God?
A) The Transfiguration of Jesus
B) The construction of Solomon's Temple
C) The Exodus (liberation from Egypt)
D) Paul's voyage to Rome
  • 9. What does Gutierrez argue is the relationship between salvation and liberation?
A) Salvation is a subset of political liberation
B) Salvation encompasses historical liberation
C) They are completely separate concepts
D) Liberation is a rejection of salvation
  • 10. What is a 'base community' (comunidad de base) in liberation theology?
A) The foundational doctrine of the Church
B) Military bases with chaplains
C) The administrative headquarters of a diocese
D) Small grassroots Christian groups among the poor
  • 11. Which concept criticizes economic systems that create poverty?
A) Divine right economics
B) Theological capitalism
C) Structural sin
D) Sacramental wealth
  • 12. What is the ultimate goal of the liberation process?
A) Communion with God and all people
B) The total separation of church and state
C) The establishment of a communist state
D) The abolition of all religion
  • 13. Which papal encyclical was highly influential for liberation theology?
A) Rerum Novarum
B) Dei Verbum
C) Populorum Progressio
D) Humanae Vitae
  • 14. Which book of the Bible is most frequently employed in liberation theology?
A) Song of Solomon
B) Exodus
C) The Epistle to Philemon
D) The Book of Revelation
  • 15. What is the primary source for theological reflection in liberation theology?
A) The lived experience of the oppressed
B) Speculative philosophy
C) The magisterium alone
D) Scientific journals
  • 16. Which conference of Latin American bishops was pivotal for liberation theology?
A) Trent (1545-1563)
B) Vatican II (1962-1965)
C) Medellín (1968)
D) Nicea (325 AD)
  • 17. What is the concept of 'orthopraxis'?
A) Right thinking or belief
B) Right singing or liturgy
C) Right practice or action
D) Right writing or doctrine
  • 18. For Gutierrez, what is the purpose of theological study?
A) To create a unified world religion
B) To achieve personal intellectual mastery
C) To critically reflect on praxis in light of the Word
D) To defend Church doctrines from all criticism
  • 19. Which term describes the process of becoming aware of oppressive conditions?
A) Globalization
B) Canonization
C) Conscientization
D) Rationalization
  • 20. What is a key criticism of traditional theology from a liberation perspective?
A) It rejects the use of reason
B) It is too focused on social action
C) It denies the existence of God
D) It is often abstract and detached from the poor
  • 21. What is the hoped-for result of a liberated praxis?
A) The elimination of all religion
B) The end of all technological progress
C) A more just and human society
D) A single world government
  • 22. Gutierrez published 'A Theology of Liberation' in what year?
A) 1984
B) 1999
C) 1971
D) 1962
  • 23. Gutiérrez was a priest from which country?
A) Argentina
B) Brazil
C) Peru
D) Mexico
  • 24. Which pope was often critical of Liberation Theology?
A) John Paul II
B) Francis
C) John XXIII
D) Paul VI
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