As someone deeply invested in studying theology, I’ve come to realize that faith is not a static thing—it’s dynamic, living, and constantly evolving. While many of us have grown up with certain traditions and beliefs, it’s important to understand that faith is not just something handed down to us; it’s something we must make our own. This journey of claiming faith for ourselves involves both holding true to what we believe and challenging long-held interpretations that no longer speak to the world we live in today.
One way to do this is by exploring Liberation Theology—a theology that calls us to live out our faith in a way that seeks justice for the oppressed and marginalized. But before diving into that, let’s reflect on what it means to hold true to faith while questioning the tradition we’ve inherited.
Faith as Personal and Communal
Faith is often seen as deeply personal, something between you and God. And that’s true—it’s an intimate journey of belief, trust, and relationship with the divine. But faith is also communal. It exists in the shared traditions of our families, churches, and spiritual communities. These traditions can offer a sense of belonging and identity, but they can also feel rigid or disconnected from the reality of our world.
While honoring the tradition we’ve inherited is important, it’s also essential to recognize that faith is a living thing, meant to be questioned and challenged. If we stop asking questions or never reconsider how we’ve understood the Bible, we risk missing the richness and depth that God is inviting us to explore.
Questioning Tradition Is a Path to Deeper Faith
Throughout history, people have wrestled with their faith and questioned traditional teachings, and that’s not a sign of weakness or disbelief. In fact, questioning is a vital part of growing in faith. Jesus himself challenged the religious authorities of his time, calling out injustices and reminding people that the heart of faith is compassion, not rigid adherence to rules.
When we ask tough questions about the Bible or about what we’ve been taught, we’re not rejecting our faith. Instead, we’re engaging with it more deeply. We’re seeking to understand how God’s love and justice speak to the world today, and how we can live out our faith in a way that brings healing and transformation.
Liberation Theology: Faith in Action
Liberation Theology is a powerful framework that encourages us to see God’s concern for those who are marginalized and oppressed. Rather than focusing solely on individual salvation, it emphasizes that our faith calls us to transform the world—to work for justice, equity, and freedom for all people.
In the Bible, we constantly see God’s heart for the poor, the outcast, and the downtrodden. From the stories of the prophets calling out injustice to Jesus’ ministry of healing and inclusion, the message is clear: faith is not just a matter of personal belief but of collective liberation. When Jesus says, “I have come to bring good news to the poor” (Luke 4:18), Liberation Theology asks us to take that seriously.
How can we, as followers of Christ, help bring good news to those who are oppressed today? How can we use our faith to stand against systems of injustice, racism, poverty, and discrimination? Liberation Theology challenges us to not just talk about faith but to live it out in ways that make a real difference in the world.
Challenging Tradition Isn’t Losing Faith—It’s Strengthening It
It’s important to remember that when we question traditional interpretations of Scripture, we’re not losing our faith. In fact, by digging deeper and seeking new perspectives, we are allowing our faith to grow. Challenging tradition is about letting go of interpretations that might no longer serve God’s mission of justice and love in the world, and embracing a faith that calls us to act.
If anything, questioning helps us better understand who we are as people of faith. By asking tough questions and wrestling with challenging ideas, we can develop a more authentic, resilient faith that is equipped to address the complex issues of our time. This is what it means to embrace a living faith—one that grows with us and the world around us.
Living Out Faith Through Justice
If we take liberation theology seriously, it invites us to live out our faith in ways that seek justice for others. This could mean advocating for the rights of the marginalized, working to end poverty, or standing up against racism and other forms of discrimination. It means that our faith isn’t just something we hold in our hearts but something that is meant to change the world.
Jesus taught us to love our neighbors, but he also challenged us to consider who our neighbors are. He constantly sided with those who were pushed to the margins of society—the poor, the sick, the outcast. Liberation Theology invites us to follow Jesus’ example by standing in solidarity with those who are oppressed today.
How to Start Living Out a Faith That Seeks Justice
- Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to challenge what you’ve been taught. If something doesn’t sit right with you, ask why. Dive into Scripture with an open mind, and seek to understand it in light of today’s world.
- Read the Bible with New Eyes: Instead of seeing the Bible as just a set of rules, start reading it through the lens of liberation. Focus on the passages where God calls for justice and freedom, and let those guide your faith.
- Take Action: Faith without action can feel empty. Look for ways to put your faith into practice by getting involved in social justice work, volunteering, or advocating for change in your community. Liberation Theology is all about transforming the world, and that starts with us.
- Build Community: Surround yourself with others who are also exploring faith and justice. Find people who are asking the same questions and who are passionate about creating a more just world. Faith is strengthened in community, especially when we’re working together toward a common goal.
- Pray and Reflect: As you explore these ideas, take time to pray, reflect, and listen for God’s guidance. Ask God to show you how you can live out a faith that truly seeks to bring about justice, peace, and love in the world.
Conclusion: A Faith That Grows with You
In the end, your faith journey is uniquely yours. It’s one that will continue to grow and evolve as you do. As you hold onto your faith, remember that it’s okay to question, to challenge, and to seek new ways of understanding what it means to follow God. Liberation Theology reminds us that faith is not just about personal belief—it’s about action, transformation, and justice.
So, as you move forward, don’t be afraid to ask hard questions and to seek a faith that works to make the world a better place. After all, the journey of faith is one of growth, change, and discovering how God’s love calls us to bring justice and hope to all.
Peace and blessings.
