Ranting/Reflections on A Theology of Liberation, by Gustavo Gutiérrez

Those of us living in the context of North American wealth sometimes find it difficult to understand the perspectives of those living in other parts of the world. Because of our relative isolation from poverty, it is easier to pretend that the everyday realities we face are the same for everyone else in the world. The context in which we live our lives effects the questions we ask when we think about God and our role in the world He created. Perhaps this accounts for the uneasy cramps I feel in the pit of my stomach after reading A Theology of Liberation, by Gustavo Gutiérrez.

I think part of my difficulty lies in the fact that I both agree and disagree so strongly with Gutiérrez. For example, maybe it’s my capitalist upbringing, but whenever someone starts quoting Marx, and shaping his ideology (and theology!) based on Marxist ideals I want to scream! People are both selfish and corrupt and Marxism doesn’t adequately address either of those two problems…

Beyond that however, what exactly does Gutiérrez mean by social justice? He describes the situation in the Third World as being unjust due to the fact that “developed world” countries have caused the “developing world” countries to be in a position of dependence. This he sees as oppressive to these countries. I’m not a macro-economist, but I don’t really understand what Gutiérrez would suggest the Church do to remedy this situation. In a global economy, how do you give “equality” to everyone? Where does individual talent and ability fit in? Where does ingenuity fit in? Why shouldn’t someone be rewarded for his successes? And if this is taken away, what motivation remains for someone to take risk or to compete? Are these inherently bad things?

Gutiérrez advocates praxis before theological reflection, but in a world filled with fallen and sinful people, what is the motivation to do good to others?

Gutiérrez advocates for the Vatican II position of God’s “universal salvific will.” This places the question of someone’s eternal soul on the backburner in favor of his focus on their salvation in this world. The here and now.

On the other hand I agree so strongly with Gutiérrez that how we relate to our fellow man is directly linked to how we relate to God. Many of us have missed the boat in our desire to pursue a “vertical” relationship with God, by neglecting the horizontal relationships with those around us. God has surrounded us with people who bear His image, yet we often neglect community in favor of a private relationship with a God whom we’ve constructed in our minds. Jesus tells us “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it for me.” God has chosen to reveal himself to us through man. This is true of the incarnation of Christ, and the inspiration of the Scriptures. He does not often speak directly and audibly to us.

Similarly, I agree wholeheartedly with Gutiérrez in his recognition of the problem of poverty and oppression in the world. However, while he sees revolution as the solution, I am forced to disagree that this is the Christian solution to the problem. I don’t know what should be done to alleviate the poverty around the world…it seems, however, that all too often, at the root of an impoverished nation is an oppressive government. One thing is for certain: the Church in North America must take a greater interest in our brothers and sisters around the world. In our context of capitalism, profitability cannot be exalted above all else. For example, Dr. Gene Green recently discussed an instance in which a series of Hispanic Christian commentaries was cancelled in order to increase the production of Benny Hinn’s books, which were selling better in Latin America. How can this be! Examples like this make me want to cry out against the bastardization of the message of Jesus. Then again, why are these the books that are selling in Latin America? What is going on?

Lord, guide your Church! Show us what we must do to build your Kingdom…show us what we must do to bring justice to the world…show us how to live out the gospel in this world…break, shape, and mold our hearts…grant us wisdom…