In 1970, a book titled A Theology of Liberation was published by Fr. Gustavo Gutiérrez. While the sentiments of liberation theology were apparent before this publication, they became increasingly prevalent after. What began as a concern for poor people has grown into an ugly-overgrown tree, reaching to include black and feminist liberation theology. Much of the deviance of this movement from biblical truth comes from a misinterpretation and, thus, a misapplication of the gospel. Liberation theology keeping itself busy through working toward a “just” society, bringing about social and political change, and associating with the oppressed has missed the entire point of the gospel.
Similar to the Jew's response to Jesus feeding the 5,000 men in John 6, Liberation Theology overlooks the spiritual realities of the gospel and seeks to build an earthly kingdom rather than the spiritual kingdom of Christ. Jesus told Pilate, and the whole counsel of God confirms that Christ’s kingdom is not of this world. Although there is an essence of truth within the liberation theology movement, there was also an essence of truth within the temptations of Satan to our Lord at the beginning of His ministry. As Charles Spurgeon once said, “Discernment is not the ability to tell the difference between right and wrong; rather, it is telling the difference between right and almost right.”
When we look into the heart of the gospel, the person and work of Jesus Christ, we see His primary concern is for the souls of men. Jesus, throughout His ministry, does spend time healing and performing good works, but the focal point is always calling men to repent and believe the gospel. Liberation theology is very concerned with the oppressed and seeking justice for them. What they fundamentally misunderstand is that the only true solace for the oppressed is found in Jesus. To care for someone’s physical needs and to leave their soul as is simply creates a more comfortable seat for them on the conveyor belt headed to destruction. We do not battle with flesh and blood. We fight against cosmic powers and the spiritual forces of evil.
Another area lacking in the doctrine of the liberation movement is found in their application of the gospel. The Scriptures clearly state we are all one in Christ (cf. Galatians 3:26-28). There is no hierarchy of worth or value found in the family of God. So whether you are or think you are oppressed because of your race, ethnicity, gender, etc., our security should be found in Christ alone. The gospel is more concerned with individuals' internal change and has little to say about the external change of institutions and civilization. Christ never creates a paradigm where social justice and the gospel are given the same level of priority. Jesus knew and taught that man’s greatest need was spiritual, not social.
Christians are responsible for living in such a way that they care for the poor, are wary of the deceitfulness of riches, and speak out and stand up against social injustices. However, these should be secondary and the overflow of the spiritual transformation that continues to happen on the inside. In God, there is no partiality; no group is considered more or less worthy of the gospel. In the church, it must be the same. The gospel is for the rich and the poor, the sick and the healthy, and the strong and the weak. If we allow a social movement to make oppression a “gospel” issue, we have maligned the gospel, and Paul has some very not nice words to say to us (cf. Galatians 1). Jesus Christ is relevant to the liberation movement because He answers their deepest and most profound question, “Where will we find justice, equality, and hope for those marginalized, mistreated, and hated by society?” The answer is purely and perfectly found in Jesus Christ. The gospel fixes everything because it does not create a construct of life for people to be forced to follow. It creates a new heart with new desires inside of people who change from the inside out and create a small taste of heaven here on earth.
May God bless your week as you seek His kingdom first!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Dan
Comments