Do you agree with the thinking of liberation theology?

Question

Should opression be fought against with violence, if necessary?

Does liberation theology reflect biblical teachings?

Do you think Jesus would have taken up arms?

Answer 1

Jesus was a pascifist. Unfortunatley most of his followers aren't.

Answer 2

Sometimes oppression should be fought with arms and violence. It is the right of the people to throw off a regime that is taking advantage of them. It was the theory behind China's triad movement which over threw the Qing Dynasty. It was also the idea that American Colonists used to kick Britain off of the original 13 colonies.

It doesn't reflect the teaching of the New Testament, but during the Roman occupation Zealots fought Rome with swords. That is where their Holiday of Hanukkah partly comes from.

If Jesus believed in taking up arms during His first coming, he would have had a very large army following Him. He put the ear back on the Roman solider who had it cut off during the night in the garden before the trial. Jesus during His first visit was about peace and non violence.

When Jesus comes again, He will come on a white horse with a sword then he will defeat in a military way those who oppose his rule.

Today liberation theology is endorsed mainly by Catholic priests in South America. They have had a difficult time leaving their third world thinking behind and are ripe for major social change. It is sad but the way that they were treated by the Industrialized nations was and is less than admirable. People can only be held down for so long before there is a serious backlash.

Answer 3

That was the thinking of those who were expecting Him to set up an earthly kingdom at that time.

Liberation theology is socialism candycoated with religion.

No, Jesus would not have taken up arms. Remember He rebuked Peter for cutting off the servant's ear.

Answer 4

See, you're one of the people who don't seem to comprehend that whole "turn the other cheek" thing. In biblical times, it was an insult to strike a person on one cheek (forgoet if was left or right), so by Christ saying "turn the other cheek" really meant to demand the respect of being struck on the correct cheek. Would He have taken up arms? I have no clue, but He never told us to be dishrags.

Answer 5

I don't think it is as clear cut as you are trying to make it out to be. Jesus did not take up arms during the days of Roman occupation and oppression, but not because that is against His teaching, but because as He said, "My kingdom is not of this world." There will come a day when Jesus will take up arms and fight against evil.

Answer 6

when oppression is fought with violence, oppression still wins, one way or the other.

I am generally a supporter of liberation theology, but am not that familiar with how it would interface with modern Christianity (outside of Latin America, that is). I am mostly familiar with its use in a pagan context.

Answer 7

No,the catholic church advocated a sort of this theology in the north of Ireland,i saw its fruits,its not Christian.
Jesus ordered Peter to put down the sword in gethsemane.

Answer 8

1-For the most part.

2-As long as we're not using a radical and 'personalized' idea of oppression (some people like to make up their own definitions for words), yes.

3-Sometimes

4-Just a guess, but yes.

Answer 9

Matthew 5:38-48 Jesus specifically tells his followers not to resist evil.

Good thing I'm not one of his followers.

Answer 10

Another excuse to kill and murder in the name of some idiotic religion.