A Theology of Liberation: History, Politics, and Salvation by Gustavo Gutierrez
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This is the credo and seminal text of the movement, which was later characterized as liberation theology. The book burst upon the scene in the early seventies, and was swiftly acknowledged as a pioneering and prophetic approach to theology which famously made an option for the poor, placing the exploited, the alienated, and the economically wretched at the center of a program where "the oppressed and maimed and blind and lame" were prioritized at the expense of those who either maintained the status quo or who abused the structures of power for their own ends. This powerful, compassionate, and radical book attracted criticism for daring to mix politics and religion in so explicit a manner but was also welcomed by those who had the capacity to see that its agenda was nothing more nor less than to give "good news to the poor", and redeem God's people from bondage.
A Theology of Liberation: History, Politics, and Salvation by Gustavo Gutiérrez is a groundbreaking work that reshaped modern theology and gave rise to the movement known as Liberation Theology. First published in 1971, this seminal text challenges traditional approaches to faith by insisting that theology must begin with the lived experience of the poor and oppressed.
Drawing deeply from Scripture, Church tradition, and the realities of social injustice, Gutiérrez presents a bold vision of Christianity as a call to action—one that unites faith with political and economic liberation. He argues that salvation is not only a matter of personal spirituality but also of transforming unjust social structures.
Through his integration of Marxist social analysis, biblical interpretation, and Catholic moral teaching, Gutiérrez calls for a Church that stands in solidarity with the marginalized and becomes an agent of justice in history.
Widely regarded as one of the most influential theological works of the 20th century, A Theology of Liberation continues to inspire theologians, activists, and believers seeking to live out a faith committed to both spiritual renewal and social transformation.
Gustavo Gutiérrez (born June 8, 1928) is a Peruvian Roman Catholic priest, theologian, and one of the most influential voices in contemporary Christian thought. Widely recognized as the founder of Liberation Theology, Gutiérrez has dedicated his life to articulating a faith that stands in solidarity with the poor and oppressed, combining theological reflection with social and political action.
Ordained in 1959, Gutiérrez studied medicine and philosophy in Peru before pursuing theology in Europe at institutions such as Louvain and Lyon. His groundbreaking 1971 book, A Theology of Liberation: History, Politics, and Salvation, redefined the relationship between faith and justice by insisting that Christian theology must begin with the lived experience of the poor. Through this work, he called for the Church to become an active participant in transforming unjust social structures, framing liberation as both a spiritual and historical process.
Over the decades, Gutiérrez has taught at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru and served as a visiting professor at major universities worldwide. His thought has profoundly shaped discussions on social ethics, pastoral ministry, and the global mission of the Church, influencing countless theologians, clergy, and lay movements across Latin America and beyond.
A member of the Dominican Order, Father Gutiérrez continues to write and lecture on issues of justice, grace, and the preferential option for the poor. His enduring legacy lies in his conviction that authentic faith must engage the real suffering of humanity—and that love of God is inseparable from love of neighbor.
