”Why does Johnson believe that God wants a world where people are free?”
Summary: This text relates to a concept called ‘Liberation Theology’, the idea whereby care and justice for the poor and for minority groups, characterizes God.
Up to 1968, the Catholic Church favoured rulers and oppressors of the poor. However in 1968 the Church redirected its focus to the issue of poverty. They passed the judgment “That misery, as a collective fact, expresses itself as injustice which cries to the heavens.” (Johnson, 2007: 71). Johnson follows the development of the Church’s commitment to redress the poverty situation. It is recognised that poverty is a cause of death and degrades humankind. A life of poverty can lead to a strength of character- the …show more content…
Poor people were led to believe that suffering on earth, would grant them eternal life. In the twentieth century people realised that God does not want suffering. In Hebrew Bible it is clear that God wants justice for the oppressed. Poverty and oppression wreak havoc on divine intent which is to have humankind succeed. In the New Testament, it is equally clear that God is faithful to those who are marginalised. Jesus’ resurrection promises a blessed future for all, even those who live an impoverished life.
God does not wish the suffering and degradation of mankind as this goes against divine intent. The rediscovery of the God of liberation brings joy to marginalised groups. Johnson stresses the fact that God’s love is not exclusive. The goal is not to oppress the oppressors, but to create a community of love and equality of the reign of God.
God’s glory is at stake as his glory is “the poor person fully alive” (Johnson, 2007: 83). When people suffer abuse, divine glory is besmirched. Johnson recognises the inequality of the world. The distribution of the world’s income is grossly unfair with the wealthiest 1/5 of the world receiving 82.7% of the total world income. Johnson says that practising justice and peace brings people closer to God. Through solidarity with the poor, people can know God better. God cannot be separated from the poor in good conscience. Those who have been lucky enough to live comfortably are urged to find God among the
Summary: This text relates to a concept called ‘Liberation Theology’, the idea whereby care and justice for the poor and for minority groups, characterizes God.
Up to 1968, the Catholic Church favoured rulers and oppressors of the poor. However in 1968 the Church redirected its focus to the issue of poverty. They passed the judgment “That misery, as a collective fact, expresses itself as injustice which cries to the heavens.” (Johnson, 2007: 71). Johnson follows the development of the Church’s commitment to redress the poverty situation. It is recognised that poverty is a cause of death and degrades humankind. A life of poverty can lead to a strength of character- the …show more content…
Poor people were led to believe that suffering on earth, would grant them eternal life. In the twentieth century people realised that God does not want suffering. In Hebrew Bible it is clear that God wants justice for the oppressed. Poverty and oppression wreak havoc on divine intent which is to have humankind succeed. In the New Testament, it is equally clear that God is faithful to those who are marginalised. Jesus’ resurrection promises a blessed future for all, even those who live an impoverished life.
God does not wish the suffering and degradation of mankind as this goes against divine intent. The rediscovery of the God of liberation brings joy to marginalised groups. Johnson stresses the fact that God’s love is not exclusive. The goal is not to oppress the oppressors, but to create a community of love and equality of the reign of God.
God’s glory is at stake as his glory is “the poor person fully alive” (Johnson, 2007: 83). When people suffer abuse, divine glory is besmirched. Johnson recognises the inequality of the world. The distribution of the world’s income is grossly unfair with the wealthiest 1/5 of the world receiving 82.7% of the total world income. Johnson says that practising justice and peace brings people closer to God. Through solidarity with the poor, people can know God better. God cannot be separated from the poor in good conscience. Those who have been lucky enough to live comfortably are urged to find God among the