Language
Country/Area
No result found
You know how Gutiérrez connected Christianity to poverty and changed theology throughout Latin America?
Gutiérrez Merino Díaz, a prominent Peruvian theologian and Dominican priest, is considered one of the founders of liberation theology in Latin America. He was born in 1928 in the Monserrate district of Lima and died in 2024. Throughout his decades of theological study and practice, Gutiérrez has explored deeply the relationship between poverty and Christian faith, and his ideas have influenced theological and social movements throughout Latin America. A core idea of liberation theology is that the practice of faith must focus on social justice and improving the living conditions of the poor.
On the continent where I come from, more than 60% of the residents live in poverty, and 82% of them are in extreme poverty.
Gutierrez’s background
Gutierrez had a challenging childhood and was often bedridden as a teenager due to osteomyelitis. From the age of 12 to 18, he relied on a wheelchair. He viewed the experience as an important spiritual growth that gave him a deep understanding of the value of hope and love. He initially studied medicine at the National University of San Marcos in Lima, but eventually chose the path to the priesthood, studying theology in Lutin, Belgium, and Lyon, France. These experiences planted the seeds of liberation theology in him.
The formation of liberation theology
After Gutiérrez returned to Peru, he began to explore the "reality" of Latin America and raised the question of how Christianity could respond to poverty. His book "Liberation Theology" was published in 1971. This book was epoch-making for the formation of liberation theology. In the book, Gutierrez emphasizes that divine revelation and eschatology should not be overly idealistic, but should focus on improving actual conditions in the world. He proposed a "preferential option for the poor," an idea that became a cornerstone of his theology and practice.
His theological view is that poverty is a way of life, a way of faith, love, prayer and struggle.
Preference for the poor
Gutierrez believes that poverty is not just a lack of resources, but a complex social problem. His view is not simply that poverty stems from a lack of money or social status, but should focus on the broader social structural and institutional problems faced by these poor people. His interpretation of Christianity believed that poverty was part of God's love for humanity and inspired believers to care for and help society's most vulnerable groups.
The combination of politics and theology
An important feature of liberation theology is that it combines politics and theology. Gutierrez proposed three levels of freedom: political, psychological and theological. He believed that these levels were interdependent and that ultimate redemption should be achieved through a more just social structure. At this point, Gutierrez supports socialism and believes that only through social revolution can the situation of the poor be truly changed.
He called on Catholics to reject "childish reformism" and advocated that the church must "become one with the poor" and devote itself to the "revolutionary cause."
Gutierrez’s influence
As one of the most influential theologians of the 20th century, Gutiérrez's thought has had a profound impact in Latin America and around the world. His work prompted many Christians to reexamine their views on poverty, emphasizing the connection between faith and social action. Despite facing criticism from the church, Gutierrez remains committed to his beliefs and encourages other theologians and believers to work together to achieve social justice.
Conclusion
With Gutierrez’s passing, his legacy has not only sparked reflection in theological circles, but also prompted a rethinking of the connection between poverty and faith. Throughout his career, Gutierrez has repeatedly called for society to prioritize the vulnerable, a goal that should be pursued by people of all faiths. This concept is still familiar in Latin America today, and it is worth pondering for each of us. How can we continue to promote this goal in the current society?
