A Theology of Liberation by Gutierrez: Summary and Appraisal

Introduction and the Concept of Liberation

The first part of A Theology of Liberation by Gustavo Gutiérrez addresses the question of what is meant by liberation. It begins with a discussion of theological reflection, operating on the assumption that such reflection arises spontaneously in the believer. Gutiérrez then explains that the world has changed and is therefore in need of a new theological perspective. Social and cultural changes are used to rationalize the development and application of liberation theology. No discussion, however, is given of social and cultural changes throughout all of human history, nor of why those changes did not necessitate liberation theology in earlier eras. The book clearly shows that the approach is rooted in Vatican II. It explains that the Church is now pivoting towards underdeveloped nations — such as those in Latin America — which is where Gutiérrez sees liberation theology being most productively applied.

Theological Reflection and Social Change

The attitude of the author is that neo-colonialism has occurred and that indigenous peoples have been marginalized and oppressed. Christians have been caught in the midst of these changes, and the Church, Gutiérrez explains, is not in a position to launch a new or fresh start. The issues to be addressed in these changing circumstances, according to the book, concern the role of faith in the midst of alienation and injustice. The book does not, however, address the role of faith in centuries prior when alienation and injustice also existed. What it suggests instead is that the situation is entirely new and that an unprecedented crisis has arisen in Latin America.

What is genuinely new in Gutiérrez's framing is his assumption that revolution on behalf of the oppressed against the oppressors is justified, and that Christians ought to understand life in terms of an oppressed-versus-oppressor dynamic. In previous centuries, when tyrants ruled, the prevailing belief was that Christ was king and that a Christian ought to be willing to die for his faith. In Gutiérrez's book, the implicit suggestion is that the kingship of Christ is no longer a central concern. What takes its place are the ideals of equality, liberty, and fraternity — the ideals of the Revolution — and Latin American society is depicted as deeply divided on the issue of liberation.

Faith, Political Action, and Utopian Vision

Gutiérrez posits that to know God is to do justice, and that this point is grounded in Scripture. He then goes on to argue that faith and political action must be aligned. There is, however, no discussion of what to do when those in power do not hold the faith at heart. Instead, what is implicitly suggested is that faith conform to political options. He asserts that faith and political action should dialogue with one another — as though faith had anything to learn from modern politics — and then suggests that a utopia of cultural revolution is within reach.

Gutiérrez does acknowledge that the utopian communion he envisions implies the rooting out of sin — that is, a liberation from sin, which he also identifies as the root of all social problems. However, there is no discussion of whether this utopian vision is realistic or achievable. The eschatological dimension he invokes remains largely undeveloped as a theological category, functioning more as rhetorical support for a political program than as a serious engagement with Christian eschatology.