liberation theology

American  

noun

1. a 20th-century Christian theology, emphasizing the Biblical and doctrinal theme of liberation from oppression, whether racial, sexual, economic, or political.

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liberation theology British  

noun

1. the belief that Christianity involves not only faith in the teachings of the Church but also a commitment to change social and political conditions from within in societies in which it is considered exploitation and oppression exist

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Etymology

Origin of liberation theology

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Petro, who identifies as a non-practicing Catholic, went to Catholic school and has express his admiration for "liberation theology" -- a school of Christian thought focused on uplifting the poor and marginalized.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

He also had differences with fellow Jesuits who believed Bergoglio lacked interest in liberation theology - that synthesis of Christian thought and Marxist sociology which sought to overthrow injustice.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2025

His position has led some observers to suggest that Francis was sympathetic towards Catholic liberation theology, which emerged in Latin America and calls for liberating the poor from political and economic oppression.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 2025

As a youth, she took part in local speech competitions where she melded folk religion and liberation theology.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 28, 2024

His sermons were given in a small Catholic church—St. Jean Bosco in Port-au-Prince—which had become the progressive, liberation theology church in Haiti.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French