Liberation theology

I’m afraid I don’t have much patience with modern conservatism. I remember learning long ago in a history class that the essence of conservatism is to handle problems traditionally. Wikipedia confirms that by saying it promotes the maintenance of traditional institutions and supports minimal and gradual change in society.

Liberal folk, on the other hand, don’t mind trying something new -- a bit out of the box -- to fix a problem. To be fair and balanced, Wikipedia defines liberalism as the belief in the importance of liberty and equality. While different liberals might look at problems differently, the Wiki writer concludes that most liberals support such fundamental ideas as free and fair elections, human rights, free trade, and separation of church and state among other things.

I’ve considered myself a liberal, or progressive, my whole adult life. Based on what I just read, I’m still pretty okay with that.

So at this tenuous time in American life and economics, what are conservatives like Ohio’s own illustrious Speaker-of-the-House wanna’ be John Boehner up to? As far as I can tell, obstruction. I mean, after eight years of George W. Bush, Americans decided they wanted a change. They elected not only Barack Obama president, but gave enough seats to Democrats to control both houses of Congress. Sure seemed like a mandate for change to me.

The conservative response? Do not cooperate. Look like you are in negotiations with the Majority for improvements in health care, the environment, and Wall Street reform, but after you get concessions and when push comes to shove, don’t give a single vote for passage of any change. Stand tight. Wait out this tough time and then blame the ones who are trying to do something for screwing things up even worse. Complain loud and long how current problems are exclusive property of the Majority and hope voting Americans have short memories. We’ve learned time after time that, indeed, Americans do have short memories.

So why the rant against conservatives today? Well, it has to do mainly with one of their chief mouthpieces, Glenn Beck, who so many Americans listen to and watch on a daily basis. He stirs the political pot by making comments that my side of the aisle has a hard time stomaching. Like Obama is a racist. Like Obama hates all things white. Like Obama isn’t even American and thus all he attempts to do is not even Constitutional. Heavens. Oh, yeah: and everybody who agrees with Beck, Limbaugh, and Fox News are real American patriots and those currently working for change and improvement for small business and the middle class most certainly are the real problem.

Then the day or so after his Restoring Honor rally in the nation’s capital a few weeks ago, Beck came out on a Sunday news show to say he wanted to refine his accusation that Obama is a racist. I misunderstood Obama’s motivation, he said. Obama isn’t so much a racist as a leader motivated by liberation theology. That’s the President’s problem.

Odd, because when I attended Catholic high school back in the day, I learned that liberation theology was a proud guiding light for social justice. As I recall, it was centered in Latin American politics where a small group of rich landowners controlled the lives of the masses. Making life better for the poor and landless was the stuff of getting it right.

Now, however, in this topsy turvy world of the 21st century, finding fault with those who want to make life better for the disadvantaged is the political sport of the day. Refuse to help homeowners trying to stay afloat while supporting a financial bailout of banks that got so many of us into this mess in the first place. And by all means, when conservatives become the Majority this fall, tell Americans you will gut the new health care plan and repeal the last two years of liberal legislation. Heaven forbid, conservatives would hate to see anybody get something they didn’t earn. Unless, of course, it means going to bat for BP or extending tax cuts for the very richest Americans. It is now deemed socialistic, communistic, fascist, a product of Hitler, even demonic, to dedicate a chunk of our collective wealth to help the less fortunate and level the playing field for all.

Yipes. What’s happened to us? And yet we say we’re a Christian nation?

Today’s elder idea: Real Christian love is founded on commitment to a more just society and action to bring it about.

Gustavo Gutierrez

Peruvian theologian recognized as the Father of liberation theology

1973

Elder Idea #2: Liberation Theology Practiced Here.

Message board at Christ Episcopal Church, Dayton OH

image: ‘The Flower Carrier’ by Diego Rivera (1935)