Thesis Statements for TH141 (Libs Sections)

Guidelines for Preparation: PLEASE READ THESE CAREFULLY.

The thesis statements challenge you to integrate various discussions from throughout the semester.

You are expected to identify intersections amongst various readings, discussions, and concepts.
The bolded and underlined words are major ideas in the thesis statement you should understand

and be able to explain. You must ALSO show the linkages amongst the terms and the significance of the thesis statement AS A WHOLE.
The readings indicated below the thesis statement serve as a STARTING point. You will also need

to make reference to other readings, relevant scripture texts, and the whole course. NOTE: If your PRE-FINAL grade is a B+ or higher, you may CHOOSE to answer the question, What do I love when I love my God? instead of selecting and answering a thesis statement. You are still responsible, however, for all the thesis statements. Readings: Love of God plus 2 or 3 additional readings YOU select to integrate with Love of God Start by identifying one or two key points from Caputo you want to highlight. Select two or three additional course concepts you think link with what you highlight. Illustrate how these concepts integrate with one another. You are basically giving your own personal summary of the course. Follow-up questions may cover concepts you did not discuss in your answer. 1. The Theology of Liberation is a particular response to the Churchs mission of Integral Evangelization. Liberation Theology emerges out of life experience, with a particular concern for the gap between the current situation of poverty and the message of the Gospel. It then reflects upon the nature of God and the reality of sin, with an emphasis on the meaning of salvation from sin and death.
Readings: Some Quotes on Evangelization & Justice; Awakening from the Sleep of Inhumanity; Poverty and Liberation Theology

2. The Theology of Liberation is a perspective from below. It operates from a specific starting point, involves a type of person asking questions, employs a particular set of intellectual tools, and follows an appropriate methodology. The reality of poverty moves Liberation Theology to invoke a prophetic and mystical theological language.
Readings: Liberation Theology; Poverty & Theological Reflection; Characteristics of Lib Theology

3. The Preferential Option for the Poor is a response by followers of Christ to the complex reality of poverty. The preferential option manifests itself as a preferential love for and by those who are oppressed by poverty. It is lived out in commitment toward liberation from sin and selfishness.
Readings: Preferential Option for the Poor; Proper and Improper Partiality and the POFTP; Multidimensional Aspects of Poverty; Poverty and Theological Reflection

4. The social sciences are an essential tool used by Liberation Theology to describe the historical and structural dimensions of a particular social situation. Different frameworks used in social analysis produce contrasting interpretations of the problems of poverty and social inequality.
Readings: Social Sciences in Lib Theo; Social Theory & Social Change in the Philippines; The Voice of the Persecuted (Noli); Social Analysis Readings (Hutchcroft, ADB, Moral Recovery)

Thesis Statements Th141 (Libs Sections)

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5. The doctrine of creation identifies God as the creator, sustainer and redeemer of all. The human person participates responsibly in the creative work of God as a steward of creation. The doctrine of creation provides a basic faith vision regarding human dignity, work, and liberation and development.
Readings: Genesis 1-2; Creation; Sacrament of Creation

6. A renewed understanding of the doctrine on original sin views it as universal human experience based on the belief that salvation is through Jesus Christ. Original sin contains both active and passive aspects which help us understand the reality of injustice and the call for liberation.
Readings: Genesis 2-3; Creation and Salvation; Original Sin; Ecological Sin;

7. Original sin is concretely manifested in structures of sin that are (a) structures that violate and oppress human dignity; (b) situations that facilitate individual selfishness; and (c) complicity with or silent acceptance of injustice. To respond to the call of social responsibility, it is necessary to gain a renewed understanding of the relationship between social sin and fundamental option.
Readings: Genesis 2-3; On Social Sin: Some Definitions; Social Sin: Recovery of a Christian Tradition; Concept of Social Sin; Social Sin and Fundamental Option

8. The Parable of the Prodigal Son invites us to return and love as God loves by offering insights into the meaning of sin and Gods bountiful love. This parable shows us that, in spite of the reality of sin, Gods first and last word is love.
Readings: Handouts on the Prodigal Son; Luke 15: 11-32

9. The prophets of the Old Testament declared the call for justice in their vocation as the mouthpiece of God and of the voiceless in society. By offering critical and energetic messages, the prophets struggled to cultivate an alternative consciousness toward the creation of a society based on justice.
Readings: Prophets: Spokespersons for Justice; Justice: Perspectives from Prophetic Tradition

10. Reflecting on the life and mission of Jesus Christ guides us in recognizing the connection between conversion and the commitment to justice. Two ways of interpreting Christs life and mission are found in Christology from above and Christology from below. Though distinct in their starting points, these two Christologies are united in their emphasis on the call for justice.
Readings: Jesus Christ and Justice; Lecture notes on life of Christ

11. A spirituality of liberation inspires Christians to mature in a balanced spirituality that integrates the religious, moral and political dimensions of Christian faith life and witness. Participating in the Eucharist allows for a fuller integration of these dimensions by focusing on Christs supreme sacrifice and allows for reflection upon ones commitment to justice.
Readings: Balanced Spirituality; Eucharist: Life of Christ in our Lives; Mane Nobiscum Domine; Courage to Pray

Thesis Statements Th141 (Libs Sections)

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