Liberation theology is a social justice-oriented religious approach that highlights the necessity of liberating the poor and achieving justice on Earth to reach religious objectives. This movement evolved predominantly in the Latin American Christian political sphere but has subsequently influenced various parts of the world, such as South Africa, Palestine, India, and the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. Think of it like a champion for the poor and oppressed, not just in your neighborhood but across the globe!

Real-World Example: The U.S. Civil Rights Movement aimed at ending racial discrimination against African Americans, which echoes the liberation theology's principle of promoting social justice and freeing the oppressed.

Liberation theology shares a deep-rooted connection with anti-colonialism, socialism, and feminism politics. It adapts to local anti-oppression objectives in diverse areas where it manifests. Think of it as a superhero, teaming up with other heroes (political movements) to tackle the villainous oppression.

Real-World Example: In South Africa, liberation theology played a significant role in opposing apartheid, a system of institutionalized racial segregation that occurred in South Africa from 1948 until the early 1990s.

The development of liberation theology is a counter-response to the oppression and compelled "civilization" by missionaries of colonized peoples. It opposes the religious doctrines focused on mass spreading of religious knowledge, by centering the agency of the poor and marginalized identities. So, it's a bit like saying, "Hold up, you can't force me to follow your beliefs. I have my own voice!"

Real-World Example: Consider the way missionaries sometimes tried to force their religious beliefs onto indigenous populations in colonized territories, like the British colonizing India and imposing Christianity. Liberation theology counters this approach by emphasizing the rights and voices of marginalized individuals.