An Introduction To Liberation Theology Byri Gutierrez

Liberation Theology is the belief that Christianity not only involves belief in the scripture but also a commitment to change social and political positions that oppress the poor and disadvantaged in a society. This is mainly understood by those who have been able to experience a "privileged position", which is described as being able to live amongst the poor and understand them. This term was first coined by Gustavo Gutierrez in his book "An Introduction to Liberation Theology". In this he discusses that the first act of liberation theology is a "foot trip" to an identification and engagement with the poor, the victims and the marginalized (Gustavo Gutierrez: An Introduction to Liberation Theology). This idea of "subversion" would become a major action of many Jesuit priest living in many Latin American countries during the 1960s. Although the idea of Liberation Theology would be deemed too radical as it went to reveal the roots of the problems. One of the major countries where liberation theology was put into action was El Salvador. Many Jesuit brothers and Catholic sisters were killed in El Salvador by the government because of their belief in the change of social, economic and political policies in the country.
Preferential options for the poor has multiple important characteristics which are that it is scriptural because it advocated by God for people to help the poor (“What is a preferential option for the poor?”). Also that there is a goal to it, it is multifaceted, a response to sin and based on faith. This option for the poor is seen as a crucial part to liberation theology and practiced in El Salvador by Segundo