Wednesday, December 12, 2012

pious liberation

It seems to me that the fundamental difference between liberation theology and right wing Christian fundamentalism is activism vs. imposition. Both effectively have the same goal: homogeneous egalitarian utilitarian politicism (yes, I believe those two can be in the same accord in a sense). However, right wing fundamentalism seems to have collided with the GOP as of late, though not absolutely, which seems to have generated a tyrannical form of political-religious hermeneutic that wishes to enforce the will of God. However, I believe one of the keys to liberation theology is that it does not wish to bring about the kingdom of heaven on earth, rather, it wishes to live as the kingdom of heaven on earth. This does not include mandatory inclusivity, as this is never the case with Christ. He demands obedience but does not force it upon his people, as seen in the Genesis narrative and the whole of the Pentateuch and as shown through the sacrifice of Christ. The key is the choice of humanity. This is what is so frustrating to me about Christian fundamentalism; they feel so strongly about issues that they feel they need to act as God's rod and staff and they believe that the state is the strong arm of God. Thus, the hermeneutic of political imposition is utilized and not an eschatological pious ecclesiology. This is what I believe is wrong with the current relationship with the Church and the state in America.

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