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| (The Last Supper, Liberation-Theology-style) |
"The Latin American ecclesial and theological movement known as 'Liberation Theology', which spread to other parts of the world after the Second Vatican Council, should in my opinion be included among the most important currents in 20th century Catholic theology." This authoritative and glorifying historical evaluation of Liberation Theology did not just come from some ancient South American theologian who is out of touch wit the times. The above statement was made by Archbishop Gerhard Ludwig Müller, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith which Ratzinger headed in the 1980’s, after John Paul I appointed him to the post. [Source: Vatican Insider; tip: several readers.]
Now, strictly for argumentative purposes (that is, assuming as such that it could be placed within the limits of orthodoxy), we are willing to understand the actual influence of Liberation Theology. The evidence seems strong that, regardless of its many intrinsic problems, Liberation Theology "politicized" Catholicism in Latin America at the exact moment in which it needed to be more "spiritual" and liturgical than ever - and the new Liberationist Church was abandoned in droves in favor of those groups (particularly Pentecostal communities) that offered the faithful the spiritual solace they wanted. On the other hand, those who wished to be "political" just abandoned the Church in favor of real political groups. The result was the collapse of Catholicism throughout the region. The strong attempt to resurrect Liberation Theology in recent years begs the question of how on earth this could do any good to the Church in Latin America in its current situation when it only led to disaster in the past. On the resurrection of Liberation Theology, the question is cui bono?...
Considering our broad and strong readership in Latin America, we would like to ask our friends in the region or from the region: did Liberation Theology achieve a true strengthening of the Church in Latin America, or in your country in particular, following the Council? In other words, did its deep influence in the region, in particular following the Medellín Conference, increase the Church's ability to reach souls and save them? Please, feel free to articulate your thoughts in Spanish or Portuguese if you so prefer.
Considering our broad and strong readership in Latin America, we would like to ask our friends in the region or from the region: did Liberation Theology achieve a true strengthening of the Church in Latin America, or in your country in particular, following the Council? In other words, did its deep influence in the region, in particular following the Medellín Conference, increase the Church's ability to reach souls and save them? Please, feel free to articulate your thoughts in Spanish or Portuguese if you so prefer.
