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

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

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 • Oct. 23, 2024

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

From Seattle Times • Apr. 28, 2024

Farmer knew that liberation theology would be part of the platform of change.

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