A Theology Of Liberation by Gustavo Gutierrez

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) An economic theory of capitalism
C) A single political revolution
D) A process with three interconnected levels

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 be an agent of liberation and social change
B) To remain separate from all political matters
C) To focus solely on administering sacraments
D) To preserve the wealth of the institution

6. How does liberation theology view sin?

A) As only a personal, individual failing
B) As synonymous with physical illness
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) 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) Paul's voyage to Rome
B) The construction of Solomon's Temple
C) The Exodus (liberation from Egypt)
D) The Transfiguration of Jesus

9. What does Gutierrez argue is the relationship between salvation and liberation?

A) Liberation is a rejection of salvation
B) They are completely separate concepts
C) Salvation is a subset of political liberation
D) Salvation encompasses historical liberation

10. What is a 'base community' (comunidad de base) in liberation theology?

A) The administrative headquarters of a diocese
B) Small grassroots Christian groups among the poor
C) Military bases with chaplains
D) The foundational doctrine of the Church

11. Which concept criticizes economic systems that create poverty?

A) Structural sin
B) Divine right economics
C) Theological capitalism
D) Sacramental wealth

12. What is the ultimate goal of the liberation process?

A) The abolition of all religion
B) Communion with God and all people
C) The total separation of church and state
D) The establishment of a communist state

13. Which papal encyclical was highly influential for liberation theology?

A) Dei Verbum
B) Rerum Novarum
C) Humanae Vitae
D) Populorum Progressio

14. Which book of the Bible is most frequently employed in liberation theology?

A) Exodus
B) The Epistle to Philemon
C) The Book of Revelation
D) Song of Solomon

15. What is the primary source for theological reflection in liberation theology?

A) The lived experience of the oppressed
B) Scientific journals
C) The magisterium alone
D) Speculative philosophy

16. Which conference of Latin American bishops was pivotal for liberation theology?

A) Vatican II (1962-1965)
B) Nicea (325 AD)
C) Trent (1545-1563)
D) Medellín (1968)

17. What is the concept of 'orthopraxis'?

A) Right practice or action
B) Right singing or liturgy
C) Right thinking or belief
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) Conscientization
B) Canonization
C) Rationalization
D) Globalization

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) A single world government
B) The end of all technological progress
C) A more just and human society
D) The elimination of all religion

22. Gutierrez published 'A Theology of Liberation' in what year?

A) 1984
B) 1999
C) 1962
D) 1971

23. Gutiérrez was a priest from which country?

A) Peru
B) Mexico
C) Brazil
D) Argentina

24. Which pope was often critical of Liberation Theology?

A) John XXIII
B) John Paul II
C) Francis
D) Paul VI

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