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Matthew 10:8 – True Liberation Theology
“True” Christianity – and it is a shame I have to qualify it, but James qualified “pure and undefiled religion” (James 1:27) – “true” Christianity is the answer. The questions are more numerous than the single answer. Two of those questions are, “How to bring about social justice?” and “How to bring about economic justice?” These two questions fuel both political and theological theories, with both being classified as “Liberation Theology.”
“True” Christianity though, is not the answer propounded by the proponents of these theories. The right questions might be asked by them, and the right answer given, but the connecting process is all wrong. Their answer is force.
Liberation theology is a “Christian” movement in political theology which interprets the teachings of Jesus in terms of being liberated from unjust economic, political, or social conditions. It has been described by its believers as an interpretation of the Christian faith through the poor’s suffering, their struggle and hope, through the eyes of the poor.
Caring for the poor and equality among the socially unequal clearly find a place within Christ’s gospel. The question is how they are achieved. Jesus did not set up an earthly kingdom to impose its will politically. Jesus did not set up a benevolent society to take care of the world. Jesus did not set up any system where people were forced to care for the needy and include the outcast. True spiritual liberation does not force one to do good. “Freely you received, freely give” (Mt.10:8).
What Jesus set up was grace. This grace is offered to the world, but found within Christ. That is why true Christians look upon one another as equal. We view each other in Christ. That is why true Christians are not found wondering the streets, hungry and left alone. We take care of our own. You want social justice? Become a Christian and show grace freely, not because the government forces you to. You want economic justice? Become a Christian and show grace freely, not because the government taxes you.
The answer is found in “true Christianity.” It is no wonder why government cannot provide the answer. Being free from sin, prejudices, hatred, and social statuses; being free in Christ is true liberation theology.
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