The populist governments, seen in the 1950’s and 1960’s in South America, spurred industrial growth and a sense of “consciousness” amongst the inhabitants of the Latin American countries. The industrial growth greatly benefited the middle-class and the working-class; however, the poor were driven into shantytowns and rural areas. To illustrate the great poverty of this time in Latin America, people living in “shantytowns” resided in vast settlements built of cardboard and other available materials such as metal and sheets of plastic. These “towns” frequently lacked proper sanitation. One could imagine how living in these shantytowns would degrade the human spirit and foster a sense of worthlessness. The abrupt shift in the social classes resulted in key movements being developed by groups of individuals in an attempt to change the social structure of their respective countries. In turn, these popular movements led to the rise of dictatorships aimed to control the people and protect the desires of the country (Introducing Liberation Theology). The social, political, and economical atmosphere of this time proved prime for religious change and new ideals.
In the early 1960’s, the churches in Latin America experienced a much-needed sense of revitalization. The church eagerly sought to improve the living conditions
for its congregation and the general population alike. The church began to place a larger emphasis on its social mission; priests and other Theologians readily encouraged calls for modernization and progress in these Latin American communities. Illustrating this shift, congregations began to work with the poor to improve their situations. The popular movements coming together with the church provided the framework ...
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...ential Option for the Poor." National Catholic Reporter. National Catholic Reporter Publications, n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2014.
Hillar, Marian, and H. Richard. Leuchtag. "Liberation Theology: Religious Response to Social Problems." Humanism and Social Issues: Anthology of Essays. Houston: Humanists Involved in Greater Houston, 1993. 35-52. Print.
"An Introduction to Gustavo Gutierrez and Liberation Theology." Web log post. Seeking the Kingdom. N.p., 1 Aug. 2011. Web. 02 Apr. 2014.
"Liberation Theology-Introduction." SMCVT Academics. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2014.
"Liberation Theology." Theopedia. Theopedia, n.d. Web. 04 Apr. 2014.
Lynch, Edward A.
"The Retreat of Liberation Theology." Catholic Culture. Trinity Communications, n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2014.
Rhodes, Ron. "Liberation Theology." Liberation Theology. Reasoning from Scriptures Ministries, n.d. Web. 02 Apr. 2014.
Models for post-revolutionary Latin American government are born of the complex economic and social realities of 17th and 18th century Europe. From the momentum of the Enlightenment came major political rebellions of the elite class against entrenched national monarchies and systems of power. Within this time period of elitist revolt and intensive political restructuring, the fundamental basis for both liberal and conservative ideology was driven deep into Latin American soil. However, as neither ideology sought to fulfill or even recognize the needs or rights of mestizo people under government rule, the initial liberal doctrine pervading Latin American nations perpetuated racism and economic exploitation, and paved the way for all-consuming, cultural wars in the centuries to come.
Tamayo, Juan O. “Church Revisits Option for the Poor,” in The Miami Herald, January 21, 1999. http://www.rose-hulman.edu/~delacova/theo/revisits.htm
She provides captivating counter perspectives that add hope to what is understood about urban poverty in Latin America. She writes using compassion and personal stories to portray larger topics substantiated with statistical analysis. Perlman’s research has provided proof of an overall improvement in living standards and a surprising increase of upward mobility, especially among families that have fewer children. However, not all of her subjects make their way out of poverty. She discovers many innovative social interventions (by community organizers, nongovernmental organizations, and international agencies) that, if replicated, could have widespread benefits. Perlman worries that the emerging democracies of Latin America have so far failed to fully incorporate their expanding urban populations and produce enough good jobs. But their uplifting reportage from the edge provides solid ground for reasoned optimism.
attempts to do so. It created social change in Europe but did not reform the Church, which was its
There are many legacies of colonialism that impacted the development of Latin American republics. As well, many of these legacies still thrive throughout modern Latin America. A legacy that impacted Latin America and still continues to affect it, is the change that colonialism caused with ancestral knowledge. Before colonialism, many parts of Latin America were inhibited by many tribes such as the Mayans. As colonialism swept through these parts of Latin America, these tribes started to diminish because of the “growing and ecological strains”, when this occurred, tribes disbanded and ceased to continued. Now these societies which once flourished, has not gone back to the way that it once was. One of the most profound legacies is religion in Latin America. The Catholic church had a part in the development of the continent. Missionaries helped build premises such as schools, hospitals and other buildings which benefited the communities. Even with the help they provided, missionaries also did harm. They caused people to change the way the practiced their religion. The aspects of the way religion was practiced before changed for the worst. The people had to entirely alter how they practiced religion and by doing so, many parts of their true identity needed to be forgotten. Lastly, colonialism
The. 1987 Lopez, Kathryn Muller. Read Daniel: Negotiating The Classic Issues Of The Book. Review & Expositor 109.4 (2012): 521-530. ATLASerials, a Religion Collection.
In the end, it is evident that the Roman Catholic religion is an essential piece of Colombia history despite its recent decline. From the beginning Catholicism has been heavily involved in education, establishing some of the first collegiate institutions. Although their current constitution declares the country as having freedom of religion, the Catholic church still maintains an esteemed position in society and the government. Finally, while there has been a recent drop in the number of Catholics in Colombia, it is at a much smaller rate than the decline as Latin America as a whole. Colombia’s roots are deeply intertwined with Catholicism and the country
Everett F. Harrison, editor-in-chief, Baker’s Dictionary of Theology. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1960, pg. 356.
Simply stated liberation theology is Christian based in its approach. Liberative ethics/motif removes the focus on the Christianity. Unlike the first three traditional ethical motifs, which are deductive in nature, the Liberationist (Liberative) motif is applied inductively. The action informs and creates the theory. In De La Torre Social Ethics book he states ““those of us who are Hispanic participate in a liberative ethics”. (De La Torre. Latina/o Social Ethics: Moving Beyond Eurocentric Moral Thinking. Waco, TX: Baylor University Press, p.92) However, what De La Torre proposes in his social ethics book is applicable to this case study. “Analyzing twentieth-century Eurocentric ethics and showing how it has a tendency to oppose marginalized communities” (De La Torre, p. 4). It is clear this case study which as recalled from gathering days is based on a true story. Is a prime example of a marginalized community. Rukkibai and her family are poor. They subject to those in power. A liberative theology resists the system of oppressive structures. With this in mind. A Liberative motif would not promote selling child so the whole family can survive. A liberative
Independently, as one grows in age, their actions should make a daily reflection to God. In “A Theology of Liberation,” Gutierrez avers that, "The present life is considered to be a test: one’s actions are judged and assessed in relation to the transcendent end. The perspective here is moralistic, and the spirituality is one of flight from this world...
Evans, C. Stephen, and R. Zachary Manis. Philosophy of Religion, Second Edition, 69-77. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2009.
This movement targeted every individual; male and female, poor and rich, and black and white. The focus was on the individual; the speakers and pastors simplified the verses in the bible to be more assessable and made them applicable to the daily life. The religious revivals focused more on personal experience rather than biblical teachings. The revivals protested against intellectual nature and promoted the idea of the heart being center for a relationship with God. The churches focus was personal with their members. They wanted converted Christians to pursue their own holiness. Revivals encouraged reading of and the idea of love for the bible. The revivals shook up the institutionalized Congregationalism with a new emphasis on perso...
In this world of Christianity today, church is very important. A topic that can give us insight on Christianity today will be the Protestant reformation. A man named Martin Luther wanted changed in the church and a lot people agreed with him. Martine Luther got the Reformation ball rolling, but many others picked it up and ran with it (Stewart, 2008). This topic can give insight on Christianity today because over the years church went through different changes when it came to different things with the church. Many Catholics and church leaders wanted change in the church and that’s how the Protestant reformation really came about and that’s how it became important to reform. Many other Catholics were just as deeply concerned about the need
Throughout the years, religion has always been a guide for humans, helping them find principles to follow and a meaning in life. Over 2000 years ago, in the Caribbean Islands, a bully named Juan had maneuvered his way into crippling everyone with low-self esteem and depression. As time went by, the abuses became stronger and people began to feel the desperation. The situation has slowly led to poverty and illness. Pablo, who was a noble, hardworking, and honorable man in his early 20’s, was visited by God during this atrocious period. He then decided to create a religion called “Pabloism” and generate the “Doctrines of Well-Being,” which were four essential concepts that lead to interior peace. The first one states: “Think positively.” According
The first Catholic priests came to South America with the conquistadors and through social and political force superimposed 16th century Catholicism upon conquered peoples and in subsequent generations upon slaves arriving in the New World. Catholicism has, likewise, frequently absorbed, rather than confronted, popular folk religious beliefs. The resulting religion is often overtly Catholic but covertly pagan. Behind the Catholic facade, the foundations and building structure reflect varying folk religious traditions. (2)