A movement that grew out of the Catholic church in Latin America in response to the crushing poverty experienced by peasants and farmers in that region. Liberation theology interprets the teachings of Jesus as advocating for the marginalized and oppressed peoples of the world and for their liberation from unjust economic and socio-political structures. It is characterized by an ethical commitment to the body of suffering poor, faith realized through action for the oppressed, the Bible read collectively, a focus on direct access to the word of God, and a commitment to self-actualization of the oppressed through their own liberation. It attempts to organize the church from the bottom-up with Biblical interpretation and liturgical elements being administered by the laity. Though the movement began out of the Catholic church in Latin America, it has since spread internationally, become an interfaith movement, and started to grow to address multiple intersecting oppressions from a faith perspective.
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A conversation with James Cone discussing the development of Black Liberation Theology.
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