Founders of Liberation Theology

Summary

While there are many promoters of Liberation Theology, or many who were involved in the movement of liberation, some of the ‘fathers’ of Liberation Theology are generally recognized as being the Roman Catholic academicians Gustavo Gutierrez, Jon Sobrino, Leonardo Boff and his brother Clodovis Boff. There are others of importance, some not published in English, such as Ignacio Ellacuria. Jon Sobrino wrote of the need for ‘spirit’ in liberation. As he said, ‘…surely liberation practice provides us with a necessary, just, and good channel for our energies. But that channel must flow with ‘spirit’. What else will remedy the limitations of those engaged in the various liberation practices? After all, they are human beings’ (Sobrino 1989: ix). Sobrino quotes Leonardo Boff as calling for ‘contemplation in liberation’. Finally Boff credits Gustavo Gutierrez’ call to Drink from Our Own Wells (1983), as inspiring him, and others, to fill themselves with the life-giving, liberating power of the spirit (Sobrino 1989: ix). These men's voices brought the concepts of Liberation Theology to the world view for consideration. These men's voices – and others – brought Liberation Theology to the world view whether the world wanted to look and see or not.