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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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of liberation theology

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This was the era of "liberation theology", which came out of Latin America and argued that it was the duty of the clergy to fight against the pervasive poverty and injustice all around them.

From BBC

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

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

A Peruvian priest who founded liberation theology, a movement advocating an active role for the Roman Catholic Church in fighting poverty and injustice but reviled by some as Marxist, has died.

From BBC

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

From Seattle Times