Since the recent blow-up over Obama's former pastor Rev. Wright, there has been a lot of talk in the media about black liberation theology. Rev. Wright is without a doubt the personification of liberation theology. He knows what it is, he knows where it came from, and he is a very outspoken supporter of it.
But what exactly is black liberation theology? How is it different from Baptist theology? Let me offer a brief definition...
Liberation theology is a belief system that focuses on Christ as a liberator not just a redeemer. It is a socially motivated belief system that is often focused on overthrowing an oppressive government or freeing people from governmental or social restraints. There may or may not be a strong focus on Jesus, but there is always a strong focus on freedom from some kind of oppression.
Liberation theology began in the 1960's in Latin America. It is often connected with Marxist ideology such as the struggle between classes and the use of revolutionary means to achieve freedom.
Some would suggest that liberation theology is merely an attempt to justify revolution and rebellion using the Bible. Often verses are twisted out of context and the eternal perspective of the Bible is replaced with a very temporal perspective.
Liberation theology is most often found in very liberal churches. Rev. Wright's church is a United Church of Christ denomination. UCC churches are among the most theologically liberal churches in the nation. They are generally more focused on social improvements, good works, and community involvement rather than the spread of the gospel.
What this means is that one of the current presidential candidates has spent 20 years being fed a steady stream of this liberal, socialistic, Marxist, theology. Even if he didn't happen to be present the day that Wright suggested that God should damn America or claim that the white man created AIDS, everything he understands about Christianity and religion is filtered through this very narrow, very unbiblical, very dangerous lens.
Regardless of which political party your prefer, this is an important factor to consider. Rev. Wright has had a big part in shaping Obama into the man he is today.
5 comments:
Thank You Pastor Andy. Very clear, good job.
Blessings
thank you for clarifying, it helps put the "inflamitory language" into a more complete context.
Blessings to you.
I understood what you wrote, and although I am a conservative Republican and voted for Bush twice, could it be said that our march into IRAQ be considered as "overthrowing an oppressive government or freeing people from governmental... restraints"?
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