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