Liberation Theology verses Communism

I just finished "Introducing Liberation Theology" and there was one part I found to be very curious. The author says "Fidel Castro is devoting considerable attention to the political and ethical significance of Latin American liberation theology, regarding its arguments as far more persuasive than those of Marxism itself".

The reason I was drawn to this book was because I heard about liberation theology before going Cuba and it was shed in a positive light. When I was in Cuba we were visiting the home of a friend who's husband is a professor and church leader. I pulled a book off the shelf that was a six hour dialogue between Castro and the author about religion in Cuba. I remember Castro talking about liberation theology.

Liberation Theology and Marxism have many overlaps. However, there is one very clear distinction: Liberation Theology does not promote using violence (it also does not suggest complete government control). At first when I read that Castro supported liberation theology, it was extremely disheartening. I thought he used it to justify. But now I see that his interest in liberation theology is more recent. This offers me an ounce of hope. I just have no idea if his interest in it is guiding any of his actions or his brothers actions, who is now president.

My biggest struggle with liberation theology is how much should the government be involved and at what point is it too much or too little. I think one problem in the U.S. is that I would say the majority of people don't even practice the principles of liberation theology on an individual level or collectively apart from the government. The book said that President Reagan devised a counterattack of liberation theology because it was too revolutionary.

Although I know there are major issues with the government in Cuba, I don't think capitalism is the answer. I see major problems with capitalism in the U.S. (For one, we thrive on exploitation of poor. And money drives us as a country more than God). I see problems with communism in Cuba. The book says liberation theology is an alternative to capitalism and socialism. So what would a healthy government look like? Perhaps only God knows. I'd say non-violent, preferential treatment of the poor is a good start.

**Liberation Theology in short says that God is for the poor and against the oppressors. It seeks liberation from oppression. It entails action, alongside the poor. It believes in non-violence and justice. It doesn't just believe in the future kingdom, but the kingdom to come in our midst. It believes that action alongside the poor to resist oppression is not optional, but required as a Christian. (I own the book if anyone wants to borrow it...it's only 95 pages).