Essay on Oscar Romero, Liberation Theology and the...

Oscar Romero, Liberation Theology and the Catholic Church In the post-World War II era, the globe was polarized by two idealistically divergent superpowers; the United States and the Soviet Union, two nations that strived to promote capitalism and communism, respectively, throughout the globe. Nowhere was this struggle more apparent than in developing countries with shaky political and economic backbones. Specifically, in Latin America the old, corrupt and often totalitarian regimes were threatened by grassroots liberation movements whose ideas of land reform and shaking up the status quo were often perceived as Marxism. The Catholic Church, which had traditionally supported the wealthy ruling class, began to change its beliefs in†¦show more content†¦One important indicator on the Catholic Church’s stance on Liberation Theology and general social activism in Latin America will be to see if Archbishop Oscar Romero is accepted into sainthood. The iconic and controversial religious leader worked tirelessly to help the lowe r-class in El Salvador. His teachings and beliefs that the marginalized peasants should be treated justly made him a living legend among his countrymen and isolated him from the nation’s corrupt elites. Although he never specifically condoned violence, his sermons played no small part in fomenting a bloody peasant uprising and civil war that raged for over a decade. In the last few years, a strong effort has been made to canonize Romero. Although he is revered not only in his own country but throughout the world, there exist a few issues that could possibly preclude him for becoming a saint. He is still strongly disliked by the vast majority of the wealthy and powerful ruling class of El Salvador, he, indirectly and inadvertently, helped bring about a violent conflict that ravaged his nation and, perhaps most importantly, his canonization may appear to be a carte blanche validation of Liberation Theology and the Marxist uprisings that were often associated with the movem ent. The canonization of Oscar Romero will redefine the seminal ideal of a modern-day saint and could quiteShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of The Movie The Film 1715 Words   |  7 PagesMichael Hughes Romero (the movie) is a biopic movie released in 1989 American biopic which depicts the life and death of the Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero, who led peaceful protests against a violent military regime and made sure the people knew the truth, even though this ended up costing him his life. He is portrayed in the movie by Raul Julia. Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdà ¡mez was born in 1917 and died March 24 1980. Romero was a high ranking member of the Catholic Church, who served as theRead MoreOscar Romero and the Role of the Catholic Church in El Salvador1488 Words   |  6 PagesThe Role of Romero vs. the Catholic Church: The Salvadoran Civil War The tragedies of the civil war in El Salvador brought focus to the many issues of oppression, under-representation, and inequality apparent amongst the Salvadoran working class during the later twentieth century. The outbreak of the war began much like civil wars in neighboring countries, consisting of the lower class demanding land and policy reformations, as elites feared the uprisings would result in socialist-geared politicsRead MoreJustice in Romero Essay1239 Words   |  5 PagesJustice in Romero The influential and gripping film, Romero, directed by John Duigan, portrays the life and death of Archbishop Oscar Romero. 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This time of st ate induced violence transformed ordinary people into veryRead MoreThe Real Significance Of Tradition2597 Words   |  11 Pagesthen refer primarily to this dynamic of translation that the gospel undergoes in order to be appropriated in new times and places—while, of course, remaining consistent with the form Christ determined for it once and for all. Theologians—especially Catholic theologians—have often tried to account for this translation by appealing to the role of institutions, to the succession of certain offices, confessions, and ministries for the handing-on of the faith. Yet while institutions can ensure that certainRead More Separation of Church and State in Latin America Essay7515 Words   |  31 PagesSeparation of Church and State in Latin America Throughout Latin American history, the Roman Catholic Church has played a tumultuous role, from passive soul saving to aggressive revolutionary actions. As the countries have turned toward democracy the Catholic Church has had to recognize that along with modernization comes the promotion of two democratic ideals: the separation of Church and State and the endorsement of secularization. While many countries are still working toward a separationRead More Religion in the World Today Essay5782 Words   |  24 Pagesdanger for a legitimate cause. Due to the religious altercations between Ireland and Northern Ireland both countries have suffered and the development of both nations has been affected. As a result of these quarrels, differences between Catholics and Protestants have developed into a huge, socio- political confrontation between people who favor British involvement and those who aspire for complete sovereignty of Irish people. The reality of the conflict in Ireland started long beforeRead MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 Pagesof Matrix Advisors and advisor with Legend Securities). Many have landed at Barclays, the British Bank that bought Lehman in bankruptcy. 38 Diversity in  Organizations I think that God in creating Man somewhat overestimated his ability. — Oscar Wilde 2 Photo: Erin Callahan. Source: Jeff Riedel/Getty Images 39 40 CHAPTER 2 Diversity in Organizations Does Callan’s sex have a role in this? Does an interest in fashion serve to stigmatize women more than men? Does an interest