RSOC 196 : Theologies of Liberation and the Liberation of Theologies.
Casa de Solidaridad, Spring, 2014 Professor: Peggy O’Neill, SC EdD
Phone: 2335-1117(house) 2335.1080 (office) cellular: 78-78-86-54
E-mail: ponelsal@yahoo.com
Course Rationale: From the indigenous spiritualities of pre-Hispanic times to the Catholicism
brought about by the Spanish Conquest, to the churches of today, theological perspectives have
strongly shaped Latin American culture and politics. In fact it would be impossible to
understand Latin America without a basic understanding of the roles played by the Roman
Catholic Church and the impact of different theological perspectives on Latin American
societies. The central role of the “cross and the sword” in bringing about the conquest of
Mesoamerica in the 1500’s and the influence of Liberation Theology on revolutionary
movements in Central America in the 1980’s highlight the importance of the relationship
between theology and social change.
The evolution of the theologies of liberation will be studied to see the various expressions and
challenges theologies face today. It will include all of the Wisdom sources that have shaped the
theologies of liberation and will include the wisdom gained from the science of the Emerging
Universe.
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Purpose of the course: The purpose of the course is to help students appreciate the
direct influences different theologies have had on Latin American societies. Special
attention will be given to the social, political, and economic implications of Latin
American liberation theology. The course will try to encourage the students to reflect
upon their own religious/philosophical beliefs and to deepen their appreciation of
religious values and theological concepts which differ from their own. It will invite them
to walk to the edges and peer into new possibilities. We will probe the questions: who
and what will accompany us as we walk? ... Who will push us to the edges? And finally
how do we break through dead history and run with a new vision?
This course satisfies Santa Clara University´s Core Religion, Theology and Culture 2
requirement.
Goals: Critical thinking, Complexity, Religious Reflection
Objectives: Students will
2.1 Analyze complex and diverse religious phenomena (such as architecture and art,
music, ritual, scriptures, theological systems, and other cultural expressions of religious belief.)
(Critical thinking Religious reflection)
2.2
Integrate and compare several different disciplinary approaches to a coherent set of
religious phenomena. ( Critical thinking, Religious reflection)
2.3
Clarify and express beliefs in light of their critical inquiry into the religious dimensions of
human existence. ( Critical thinking, Religious reflection )
Course Design: The course is divided into the following Units:
Unit I: Historical background that sets the stage for the theology of liberation.
Unit II: Theology of liberation phase one: key concepts, key practices
Unit III: Theologies of liberation and the liberation of theologies: women, nature, people of
color
Unit IV.: Christian discipleship: response to contemporary social issues and liberation; the New
Creation story/ New cosmology; an examination of science and spirituality.
REQUIRED READINGS:
UNITS I and II:
I. TEXTS:
Boff, C. and Boff, L. Liberation Theology . Orbis, 1987. ( help for the test)
Johnson, Elizabeth. Quest for the Living God: Mapping Frontiers in the Theology of God. New
York: Continuum, 2007. (class reports, personal and group)
Sobrino, Jon. Where is God? (Reflection paper)
Steindl-Rast. Deeper than Words. (selections)
Boyle, Gregory. Tattoos on the Heart. (Reflection paper)
Cannato, Judy. Field of Compassion: How the New Cosmology is Transforming Spirituality.
(selections)
O´Murchu, Diarmuid. In the Beginning was the Spirit.(selections)
Get to know ROMERO
Read one of the following: All can be purchased in Centro Romero or the bookstore in the
UCA. If there are no copies inform me and we will arrange an alternative use of the books.
Wright, Scott. Oscar Romero and the Communion of Saints, A Biography.
Romero. Voice of the Voiceless. Four Pastoral Letters and other Statements.
Hodgson and Romero. Through The Year with Oscar Romero, Daily Meditations.
Dennis, Golden, Wright. Oscar Romero Reflections on His Life and Writings.
II. READER:
Selections from the following are included:
Ed. Sobrino, and Ellacuria. Systematic Theology Perspectives from Liberation Theology.
Chapter one: Boff, Clodovis. “New Methodology of the Theology of Liberation”.
Chapter two: Gustavo Guitierrez. “Option for the Poor”.
Chapter three: Jon Sobrino. “Central Position of the Reign of God in Liberation Theology”.
Butwell, Ogle, Wright. The Globalization of Hope and We Make the Way by Walking.
Jon Sobrino. “The Subversive and Joyful Memory of the Martyrs”.
Jesuits of Latin America. “For Life and Against Neoliberalismo: The Jesuits Speak Out”.
Pablo Richard.“Liberation Theology in the New International Context”.
Selections from Hennelly, S.J. Liberation Theology, A Documentary History.
“Introduction and Preface”
“Meeting of Theologians at Petropolis” March 1964
“A Letter to the People of the Third World”, August, 1967
“Toward a Theology of Liberation”, July , 1978
“The Political Dimension of Faith from the Perspective of the Option for the Poor”, Louvain,
1980
“Criticism Will Deepen”, Guitierrez”, September 14,1984
“Instruction on Certain Aspects of the Theology of Liberation”, August 6, 1984
“Instruction on Christian Freedom and Liberation”
Selections from: Gustavo Guiterrez , Essential Writings. “Introduction” Ed. James B.
Nickoloff.
Selections from:Philip Berryman. Stubborn Hope Religion, Politics, and Revolution in Central
America.. “Wager of Faith” and “El Salvador, God’s patience Exhausted”.
Selections from YES: A Journal of Positive Futures. “The Great Turning as
Compass and Lens” Joanna Macy. and “The Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community”, David
Korten.
Selections from: Poetry Like Bread is for Everyone.
III. FILM: I AM….Comments and questions, reflections and suggestions will be discussed in class.
…..viewing one night in Casa Silvia..
IV:
Presentation of Readings and Final Presentations
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
1. Class Participation: (10%) (discussion, questions, group work) The class meets for three
hours each week on Fridays and you are expected to have a short paper indicating reflection on
the previous class, readings or a question. This gives me the chance to see your thoughts.
Analyze as you go through your weekly notes, readings, the various responses and critiques of
this new approach to theology. Use your praxis site to critique and give attention to the various
disciplines that throw light on this theology…sociology, anthropology, Christian art, (Learning
objectives 2.1)
2. Exam : written in class (10%) (date to be announced)
This paper-exam includes the material in Units I and II. It is to demonstrate that you know the
basics of the history of Liberation Theology; what is the heart of the theology; and the names of
some of the theologians connected with it. This paper will be written in class—in the style of an
open book test. It is important to incorporate ¨how ¨the context of Latin America was ripe to
produce this theology, and why it drew opponents. (Learning objectives 2.1 and 2.2)
3. Reflections: (10%) Oral
Johnson, Elizabeth.
Romero.
Steindl-Rast, David.
O´Murchu, Diarmuid.
These reflections in class will enable the students to compare previous theological paradigms
challenged by World War II; see how religious art carries cultural contexts and are read
differently over the years; describe how and why the Vatican reforms enabled the local churches
to reflect their contexts in their theologies; see how the post WWII Church of Europe and the
USA faces different issues from the post WWII Church in Latin America. (Learning objectives
2.2.)
4. Book Reflections : Written ( 30%) Date to be announced
Boyle, Gregory. Tattoos on the Heart (Reflection paper)
Connato, Judy. (Reflection paper)
Sobrino, Jon. Where Is God?. (Reflection paper)
O´Murchu, Diarmuid. In the Beginning Was the Spirit: Science, Religion, and Indigenous
Spirituality.
These reflections will incorporate the various approaches to any study or reflection: historical,
literary, experiential approaches that enable the students to confront new social issues, beliefs,
hopes and spiritualities. They should also place these books into the always emerging theologies
of liberation. (Learning objectives, 2.1 , 2.2, 2.3)
5. Final Project: (40%) Last day of class
This final paper/project will be shared with all the participants and other members of the
Casa family.
It can be in the form of poetry, a letter, a homily, a dance, a painting, a ritual…dream on. This
project should express what this material has meant to you---how you might share it with others--how it has thrown light on your practice site, the week in the “compo”---how it has opened
your eyes and hearts, and what it might all mean as you “journey” home. In effect ask yourself,
“How have I been liberated by this time here, by this course of study?” How does my own
inquiry into human existence change/expand as I leave El Salvador? What new tools have been
incorporated into my questions, my future dreams, plans, my vocation? (Learning Objective 2.3)
If you need/want more clarification about this final project see me during an office hour
Fridays: 6:30a.m.-7:45a.m.; immediately after class or by appointment.