In order for us to evaluate any theology, we should first become familiar with the assumptions of the theologians in question. This principle holds true for most branches of human knowledge. Like in the humanities and in the social sciences, each theologian works with a certain set of assumptions. Those assumptions, in turn, determine the content and the thrust of the particular theology at hand.
Liberation Theology is no different. Each theologian brings a baggage of presuppositions to her/his system of thought. It is a known fact, I believe, that no one does theology without a certain set of presuppositions. This should come as a surprise to no one, when we consider among other things, that no pure "objectivity" exists. By identifying the assumptions, we would be in a much better position to understand and evaluate the reasons why each theologian says what he/she does.
Gustavo Gutierrez, a Catholic priest from Peru, and the one known to coin the term "Theology of Liberation," believes, that for theology to be valid, it must emerge from the "bottom up;" i.e that it must be a grassroots theology that emerges from experiences of those who have marginalized by societal structures.
Hugo Assmann, a Brazilian Catholic theologian, and one of the key leaders in the development of Liberation Theology in Brazil believes that the "starting point" for Liberation Theology is "our objective situation as oppressed and dependent peoples."
Mortimer Arias, a bishop in the Bolivian Methodist Church, believes that the main emphasis of Liberation Theology is that of God "hearing the cry of the people in agony."
Jose Miguez Bonino, a minister in the Methodist Church of Argentina, assumes that it all starts on an analysis and interpretation of the Latin American situation.
Leonardo Boff, a former Catholic priest from Brazil, believes that Latin America is a "theologically privileged place for action and reflection (praxis)."
En fin, each theologian brings a background of assumptions to her/his theology. Theology does not emerge or operate in a vacuum. If one is to evaluate and critique Liberation Theology, he/she must first start with identify the major set of assumptions and presuppositions of each theologian.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Para poder evaluar cualquier teologia, debieramos primeramente familiarizarnos con las asunciones de el teologo en discusion. Este prinicipio es verdadero para la mayor parte de las ramas de el conocimiento humano. Al igual que en las humanidades y las ciencias sociales, cada teologo prosigue con un serie de asunciones. Estas asunciones, en cambio, determinan el contenido y la orientacion de la teologia particular que se nos presenta.
La Teologia de La Liberacion no es diferente. Cada teologo trae consigo un bagaje de asunciones y presuposciones a su sistema de pensamiento.
Es un hecho conocido, creo yo, que nadie hace teologia sin una serie de presupociones. Esto no debe de venirle de sorpresa a nadie, siendo que no existe la pura "objetividad." Al identifcar las asunciones, estariamos en mejor posicion para entender la razon por la cual cada teologo dice lo que el/ella dice.
Gustavo Gutierrez, sacerdote catolico del Peru, y el cual es conocido por haber originado la phrase "Teologia de La Liberacion," piensa que para la teologia ser valida, desde comenzar desde "abajo para arriba," es decir, debe de ser una teologia de las raices que surge de las experiencias de aquellos que han sido marginalizados por las estructuras sociales.
Hugo Assmann, sacerdote catolico del Brazil, piensa que el "punto comenzante" para la teologia debe de ser "nuestra situacion objetiva como pueblos oprimidos y dependientes."
Mortimer Arias, obispo en la iglesia Metodista Bolivian, establece que el enfasis de la teologia debe de ser el de reconocer que Dios ha oido "el clamor del pueblo en agonia."
Jose Miguez Bonino, ministro de la iglesia Metodista de la Argentina, asume que todo comienza con analizar e interpetar la situacion en la America Latina.
Leonardo Boff, ex-sacerdote catolico del Brazil, piensa que la America Latina es un "lugar privilegiado para la accion y reflexion (praxis)."
En fin, cada teologo trae un trasfondo de asunciones a su teologia. La teologia ni surge de ni opera en un vacio. Si uno va a criticar o evaluar a la Teologia de La Liberacion, debe primero comenzar identificando las asunciones y presupociones de cada teologo.
En el Nombre del Padre, del Hijo, y del Espiritu Santo. Amen!
Rev. Dr. Juan A. Carmona
Visiting Professor of Theology, Tainan Theological College and Seminary.
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