Instruction on Liberation Theology - Revision history

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	<span id="I-5">5.</span> It is widely known, even in still illiterate sections of the world, that, thanks to the amazing advances in science and technology, mankind, still growing in numbers, is capable of assuring each human being the minimum of goods required by his dignity as a person.		<span id="I-5">5.</span> It is widely known, even in still illiterate sections of the world, that, thanks to the amazing advances in science and technology, mankind, still growing in numbers, is capable of assuring each human being the minimum of goods required by his dignity as a person.

	<span id="I-6">6.</span> The scandal of the shocking inequality between the rich and poor--whether between rich and poor countries, or between social classes in a single nation--is no longer tolerated. On one hand, people have attained an unheard of abundance which is given to waste, while on the other hand so many live in such poverty, deprived of the basic necessities, that one is hardly able even to count the victims of malnutrition.		<span id="I-6">6.</span> The scandal of the shocking inequality between the rich and poor — whether between rich and poor countries, or between social classes in a single nation — is no longer tolerated. On one hand, people have attained an unheard of abundance which is given to waste, while on the other hand so many live in such poverty, deprived of the basic necessities, that one is hardly able even to count the victims of malnutrition.

	<span id="I-7">7.</span> The lack of equity and of a sense of solidarity in international transactions works to the advantage of the industrialized nations so that the gulf between the rich and the poor is ever widening. Hence derives the feeling of frustration among third world countries, and the accusations of exploitation and economic colonialism brought against the industrialized nations.		<span id="I-7">7.</span> The lack of equity and of a sense of solidarity in international transactions works to the advantage of the industrialized nations so that the gulf between the rich and the poor is ever widening. Hence derives the feeling of frustration among third world countries, and the accusations of exploitation and economic colonialism brought against the industrialized nations.

Mxmsj: /* VII. Marxist Analysis */

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VII. Marxist Analysis

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	<span id="VII-12">12.</span> In certain parts of Latin America, the seizure of the vast majority of the wealth by an oligarchy of owners bereft of social consciousness, the practical absence or the shortcomings of a rule of law, military dictators making a mockery of elementary human rights, the corruption of certain powerful officials, the savage practices of some foreign capital interests constitute factors which nourish a passion for revolt among those who thus consider themselves the powerless victims of a new colonialism in the technological, financial, monetary, or economic order. The recognition of injustice is accompanied by a pathos which borrows its language from Marxism, wrongly presented as though it were scientific language.		<span id="VII-12">12.</span> In certain parts of Latin America, the seizure of the vast majority of the wealth by an oligarchy of owners bereft of social consciousness, the practical absence or the shortcomings of a rule of law, military dictators making a mockery of elementary human rights, the corruption of certain powerful officials, the savage practices of some foreign capital interests constitute factors which nourish a passion for revolt among those who thus consider themselves the powerless victims of a new colonialism in the technological, financial, monetary, or economic order. The recognition of injustice is accompanied by a pathos which borrows its language from Marxism, wrongly presented as though it were scientific language.

	<span id="VII-13">13.</span> The first condition for any analysis is a total openness to the reality to be described. That is why a critical consciousness has to accompany the use of any working hypotheses that are being adopted. One has to realize that these hypotheses correspond to a particular viewpoint which will inevitably highlight certain aspects of the reality while leaving others in the shade. This limitation which derives from the nature of human science is ignored by those who, under the guise of hypotheses recognized as such, have recourse to such an all- embracing conception of reality as the thought of Karl Marx.		<span id="VII-13">13.</span> The first condition for any analysis is a total openness to the reality to be described. That is why a critical consciousness has to accompany the use of any working hypotheses that are being adopted. One has to realize that these hypotheses correspond to a particular viewpoint which will inevitably highlight certain aspects of the reality while leaving others in the shade. This limitation which derives from the nature of human science is ignored by those who, under the guise of hypotheses recognized as such, have recourse to such an all-embracing conception of reality as the thought of Karl Marx.

	== VIII. Subversion of The Meaning of Truth and Violence ==		== VIII. Subversion of The Meaning of Truth and Violence ==

Mxmsj: /* The Voice of the Magisterium */

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The Voice of the Magisterium

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	<span id="IV-15">15.</span> Nor can one localize evil principally or uniquely in bad social, political, or economic "structures" as though all other evils came from them so that the creation of the "new man" would depend on the establishment of different economic and socio- political structures. To be sure, there are structures which are evil and which cause evil and which we must have the courage to change. Structures, whether they are good or bad, are the result of man's actions and so are consequences more than causes. The root of evil, then, lies in free and responsible persons who have to be converted by the grace of Jesus Christ in order to live and act as new creatures in the love of neighbor and in the effective search for justice, self-control, and the exercise of virtue.<ref>Cf. 1 Corinthians 11, 17-34.</ref> To demand first of all a radical revolution in social relations and then to criticize the search for personal perfection is to set out on a road which leads to the denial of the meaning of the person and his transcendence, and to destroy ethics and its foundation which is the absolute character of the distinction between good and evil. Moreover, since charity is the principle of authentic perfection, that perfection cannot be conceived without an openness to others and a spirit of service.		<span id="IV-15">15.</span> Nor can one localize evil principally or uniquely in bad social, political, or economic "structures" as though all other evils came from them so that the creation of the "new man" would depend on the establishment of different economic and socio- political structures. To be sure, there are structures which are evil and which cause evil and which we must have the courage to change. Structures, whether they are good or bad, are the result of man's actions and so are consequences more than causes. The root of evil, then, lies in free and responsible persons who have to be converted by the grace of Jesus Christ in order to live and act as new creatures in the love of neighbor and in the effective search for justice, self-control, and the exercise of virtue.<ref>Cf. 1 Corinthians 11, 17-34.</ref> To demand first of all a radical revolution in social relations and then to criticize the search for personal perfection is to set out on a road which leads to the denial of the meaning of the person and his transcendence, and to destroy ethics and its foundation which is the absolute character of the distinction between good and evil. Moreover, since charity is the principle of authentic perfection, that perfection cannot be conceived without an openness to others and a spirit of service.

	== The Voice of the Magisterium ==		== V. The Voice of the Magisterium ==

	<span id="V-1">1.</span> In order to answer the challenge leveled at our times by oppression and hunger, the Church's Magisterium has frequently expressed her desire to awaken Christian consciences to a sense of justice, social responsibility, and solidarity with the poor and the oppressed, and to highlight the present urgency of the doctrine and imperatives contained in Revelation.		<span id="V-1">1.</span> In order to answer the challenge leveled at our times by oppression and hunger, the Church's Magisterium has frequently expressed her desire to awaken Christian consciences to a sense of justice, social responsibility, and solidarity with the poor and the oppressed, and to highlight the present urgency of the doctrine and imperatives contained in Revelation.

Mxmsj: /* IV. Biblical Foundations */

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IV. Biblical Foundations

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	<span id="IV-9">9.</span> Poverty for the sake of the kingdom is praised. And in the figure of the poor, we are led to recognize the mysterious presence of the Son of Man who became poor himself for the love of us.<ref name="2Cor8-9">2 Corinthians 8, 9.</ref> This is the foundation of the inexhaustible words of Jesus on the judgment in Matthew 25:31-46. Our Lord is one with all in distress; every distress is marked by his presence.		<span id="IV-9">9.</span> Poverty for the sake of the kingdom is praised. And in the figure of the poor, we are led to recognize the mysterious presence of the Son of Man who became poor himself for the love of us.<ref name="2Cor8-9">2 Corinthians 8, 9.</ref> This is the foundation of the inexhaustible words of Jesus on the judgment in Matthew 25:31-46. Our Lord is one with all in distress; every distress is marked by his presence.

	<span id="IV-10">10.</span> At the same time, the requirements of justice and mercy, already proclaimed in the Old Testament, are deepened to assume a new significance in the New Testament. Those who suffer or who are persecuted are identified with Christ.<ref name="2Cor8-9"/> The perfection that Jesus demands of His disciples (Matthew 5:18) consists in the obligation to be merciful "as your heavenly Father is merciful".(Luke 6:36)		<span id="IV-10">10.</span> At the same time, the requirements of justice and mercy, already proclaimed in the Old Testament, are deepened to assume a new significance in the New Testament. Those who suffer or who are persecuted are identified with Christ.<ref name="2Cor8-9"/> The perfection that Jesus demands of His disciples (Matthew 5:18) consists in the obligation to be merciful "as your heavenly Father is merciful" (Luke 6:36).

	<span id="IV-11">11.</span> It is in the light of the Christian vocation to fraternal love and mercy that the rich are severely reminded of their duty.<ref>Matthew 25, 31-46; Acts 9, 4-5; Colossians 1, 24.</ref> St. Paul, faced with the disorders of the Church of Corinth, forcefully emphasizes the bond which exists between participation in the sacrament of love and sharing with the brother in need.<ref>Jeremiah 5, ff.</ref>		<span id="IV-11">11.</span> It is in the light of the Christian vocation to fraternal love and mercy that the rich are severely reminded of their duty.<ref>Matthew 25, 31-46; Acts 9, 4-5; Colossians 1, 24.</ref> St. Paul, faced with the disorders of the Church of Corinth, forcefully emphasizes the bond which exists between participation in the sacrament of love and sharing with the brother in need.<ref>Jeremiah 5, ff.</ref>

Mxmsj: /* IV. Biblical Foundations */

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IV. Biblical Foundations

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	<span id="IV-8">8.</span> Already proclaimed in the Old Testament, the commandment of fraternal love extended to all mankind thus provides the supreme rule of social life.<ref>Cf. Deuteronomy 10, 18-19.</ref> There are no discriminations or limitations which can counter the recognition of everyone as 'neighbor'.<ref>Cf. Leviticus 10, 25-37.</ref>		<span id="IV-8">8.</span> Already proclaimed in the Old Testament, the commandment of fraternal love extended to all mankind thus provides the supreme rule of social life.<ref>Cf. Deuteronomy 10, 18-19.</ref> There are no discriminations or limitations which can counter the recognition of everyone as 'neighbor'.<ref>Cf. Leviticus 10, 25-37.</ref>

	<span id="IV-9">9.</span> Poverty for the sake of the kingdom is praised. And in the figure of the poor, we are led to recognize the mysterious presence of the Son of Man who became poor himself for the love of us.<ref>2 Corinthians 8, 9.</ref> This is the foundation of the inexhaustible words of Jesus on the judgment in Matthew 25:31-46. Our Lord is one with all in distress; every distress is marked by his presence.		<span id="IV-9">9.</span> Poverty for the sake of the kingdom is praised. And in the figure of the poor, we are led to recognize the mysterious presence of the Son of Man who became poor himself for the love of us.<ref name="2Cor8-9">2 Corinthians 8, 9.</ref> This is the foundation of the inexhaustible words of Jesus on the judgment in Matthew 25:31-46. Our Lord is one with all in distress; every distress is marked by his presence.

	<span id="IV-10">10.</span> At the same time, the requirements of justice and mercy, already proclaimed in the Old Testament, are deepened to assume a new significance in the New Testament. Those who suffer or who are persecuted are identified with Christ. ~~[10]~~ The perfection that Jesus demands of His disciples (Matthew 5:18) consists in the obligation to be merciful "as your heavenly Father is merciful".(Luke 6:36)		<span id="IV-10">10.</span> At the same time, the requirements of justice and mercy, already proclaimed in the Old Testament, are deepened to assume a new significance in the New Testament. Those who suffer or who are persecuted are identified with Christ.<ref name="2Cor8-9"/> The perfection that Jesus demands of His disciples (Matthew 5:18) consists in the obligation to be merciful "as your heavenly Father is merciful".(Luke 6:36)

	<span id="IV-11">11.</span> It is in the light of the Christian vocation to fraternal love and mercy that the rich are severely reminded of their duty.<ref>Matthew 25, 31-46; Acts 9, 4-5; Colossians 1, 24.</ref> St. Paul, faced with the disorders of the Church of Corinth, forcefully emphasizes the bond which exists between participation in the sacrament of love and sharing with the brother in need.<ref>Jeremiah 5, ff.</ref>		<span id="IV-11">11.</span> It is in the light of the Christian vocation to fraternal love and mercy that the rich are severely reminded of their duty.<ref>Matthew 25, 31-46; Acts 9, 4-5; Colossians 1, 24.</ref> St. Paul, faced with the disorders of the Church of Corinth, forcefully emphasizes the bond which exists between participation in the sacrament of love and sharing with the brother in need.<ref>Jeremiah 5, ff.</ref>

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Mxmsj at 13:03, 16 October 2010

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	5. It is widely known, even in still illiterate sections of the world, that, thanks to the amazing advances in science and technology, mankind, still growing in numbers, is capable of assuring each human being the minimum of goods required by his dignity as a person.		5. It is widely known, even in still illiterate sections of the world, that, thanks to the amazing advances in science and technology, mankind, still growing in numbers, is capable of assuring each human being the minimum of goods required by his dignity as a person.

	6. The scandal of the shocking inequality between the rich and poor - whether between rich and poor countries, or between social classes in a single nation - is no longer tolerated. On one hand, people have attained an unheard of abundance which is given to waste, while on the other hand so many live in such poverty, deprived of the basic necessities, that one is hardly able even to count the victims of malnutrition.		6. The scandal of the shocking inequality between the rich and poor--whether between rich and poor countries, or between social classes in a single nation--is no longer tolerated. On one hand, people have attained an unheard of abundance which is given to waste, while on the other hand so many live in such poverty, deprived of the basic necessities, that one is hardly able even to count the victims of malnutrition.

	7. The lack of equity and of a sense of solidarity in international transactions works to the advantage of the industrialized nations so that the gulf between the rich and the poor is ever widening. Hence derives the feeling of frustration among third world countries, and the accusations of exploitation and economic colonialism brought against the industrialized nations.		7. The lack of equity and of a sense of solidarity in international transactions works to the advantage of the industrialized nations so that the gulf between the rich and the poor is ever widening. Hence derives the feeling of frustration among third world countries, and the accusations of exploitation and economic colonialism brought against the industrialized nations.

Mxmsj: /* AN INSPIRATION */

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AN INSPIRATION

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	This warning should in no way be interpreted as a disavowal of all those who want to respond generously and with an authentic evangelical spirit to the "preferential option for the poor." It should not at all serve as an excuse for those who maintain the attitude of neutrality and indifference in the face of the tragic and pressing problems of human misery and injustice. It is, on the contrary, dictated by the certitude that the serious ideological deviations which it points out tends inevitably to betray the cause of the poor. More than ever, it is important that numerous Christians, whose faith is clear and who are committed to live the Christian life in its fullness, become involved in the struggle for justice, freedom, and human dignity because of their love for their disinherited, oppressed, and persecuted brothers and sisters. More than ever, the Church intends to condemn abuses, injustices, and attacks against freedom, wherever they occur and whoever commits them. She intends to struggle, by her own means, for the defense and advancement of the rights of mankind, especially of the poor.		This warning should in no way be interpreted as a disavowal of all those who want to respond generously and with an authentic evangelical spirit to the "preferential option for the poor." It should not at all serve as an excuse for those who maintain the attitude of neutrality and indifference in the face of the tragic and pressing problems of human misery and injustice. It is, on the contrary, dictated by the certitude that the serious ideological deviations which it points out tends inevitably to betray the cause of the poor. More than ever, it is important that numerous Christians, whose faith is clear and who are committed to live the Christian life in its fullness, become involved in the struggle for justice, freedom, and human dignity because of their love for their disinherited, oppressed, and persecuted brothers and sisters. More than ever, the Church intends to condemn abuses, injustices, and attacks against freedom, wherever they occur and whoever commits them. She intends to struggle, by her own means, for the defense and advancement of the rights of mankind, especially of the poor.

	== ~~AN INSPIRATION~~ ==		== An Inspiration ==

	1. The powerful and almost irresistible aspiration that people have for 'liberation' constitutes one of the principal 'signs of the times' which the Church has to examine and interpret in the light of the Gospel.<ref>Cf. "Gaudium et Spes" n. 4.</ref> This major phenomenon of our time is universally widespread, though it takes on different forms and exists in different degrees according to the particular people involved. It is, above all, among those people who bear the burdens of misery and in the heart of the disinherited classes that this aspiration expresses itself with the greatest force.		1. The powerful and almost irresistible aspiration that people have for 'liberation' constitutes one of the principal 'signs of the times' which the Church has to examine and interpret in the light of the Gospel.<ref>Cf. "Gaudium et Spes" n. 4.</ref> This major phenomenon of our time is universally widespread, though it takes on different forms and exists in different degrees according to the particular people involved. It is, above all, among those people who bear the burdens of misery and in the heart of the disinherited classes that this aspiration expresses itself with the greatest force.

Mxmsj at 13:00, 16 October 2010

2010-10-16T13:00:06Z

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Mxmsj: Created page with ";Instruction on Certain Aspects of the "Theology of Liberation" ::[http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_19840806_theology-liberation..."

2010-10-16T12:54:25Z

Created page with ";Instruction on Certain Aspects of the "Theology of Liberation" ::[http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_19840806_theology-liberation..."

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