what is the meaning of "liberation" that jesus was preaching about?

Question

i read in a book that jesus was preaching about liberation...i really dont understand ...iberation from whom or from what?

Answer 1

I'm not sure Jesus himself spoke of liberation. But a thing called Liberation Theology sprang up. Maybe you were reading one of the Liberationist's books? My understanding is that this started in marginalized groups - Jesus as a savior not only from sin but also from being an under-dog. ;-)

Answer 2

There are many possible meanings of what liberation entails. Here are a few ideas.

1. Perhaps it was a physical and very real liberation. The Jews at that point lived under the rule of the Romans, commanded by Emperor Titus I. The Romans believed in plurality, in the acceptance of many cultures and faiths. By encorporating new ideas into their own society, they believed they would strengthen it. Israel and the kingdom of Judea was a special case. It is located between 3 continents, and 2 major oceans. It is a super duper place to built an international merchant trading hub. It was a vital part of the Roman economy. With this in mind, the Romans kept a significant amount of troops in Judea, more than in any other conquered province, to ensure peace and control. They also instituted taxes, and limitations on social gathering and free soeach. Needless to say, the Jews werent so happy with the Roman occupation. They tolerated it, but it wasnt ideal. So perhaps Jesus was talking about restoring control to the Judean kings.

2. Perhaps it was a religious liberation. Under Roman rule, the Holy Temple aka Solomons Temple was under close watch. High priests were chosen on the basis of loyalty to Emperor Titus I. the services and ceremonies were highly regulated. Much of the traditional councils and thinktanks of religious scholars were restricted. This made the non-puppet priesthood and Rabbis understandibly edgy. It was essentially a constipated spiritual institution. Without new ideas and theories in theology, spirituality, and mysticism, religion became bland, trite. Perhaps Jesus was talking about a liberation where people were free to explore new forms of communication with faith, tradition, and God.

3. Perhaps it was a mental liberation. In many generations, people tend to become stubborn and stuck in a limited mindset. They reject new theories in science and philosophy. They are ignorant but content. Just as Isaac Newtons was ahead of his time, so too was Galileo and Darwin. Perhaps, Jesus was ahead fo his time too. He preached about exploring new forms of morality, and a different connection with faith. Perhaps it was a mental liberation.

I hope these help, get you thinking!

Answer 3

Jesus said...Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free,and that ye shall be free indeed.
Most people do not understand what Jesus was and is all about.When we learn of Jesus and not what the church world or anyone else says but really learn of him we become free in mind and spirit.Jesus was the fulfilling of the law,which means we are not under the law now{the 10 commandments} but are led by the spirit{the Holy Spirit}and through being led by the spirit we become the sons of God,as being the sons of God we are revealed truths that are liberating.You must be willing to lay down anything you have been taught or thought and be obedient to the word of God {Jesus} for this to truly happen.You should read the book, 1 John

Answer 4

Jesus was a pioneer in many forms of liberation. The story of the woman at the well tells us that He completely ignored the traditional customs and limits that were placed on women when He spoke to Her. Men at that time, even priests were not allowed to even speak to a woman without her husband being present. Even then, they would not speak directly to the woman but to her husband. Jesus showed that all are deserving of love and forgiveness, regardless of race or status.

The liberation He taught of though, was the liberation from the Law. Meaning we, as Christians are no longer under the confines of the ten commandments. We have complete freedom to live our lives as we please, as long as we put God first in our lives (not doing anything that would disgrace Him) and love all others as we love ourselves.

Be Blessed and Blessed Be