After being in Nicaragua for only a few
hours, I quickly noticed that one learns so much more through practical
experience rather than through books. After we met with our first church based
community—San Pablo Apostol, I felt as if I finally understood the true meaning
of liberation theology. I no longer knew the definition alone, now I could put
faces to it. Talking to people about their experiences painted a completely new
image of this ideology for me. It deepened my understanding and my appreciation
for it grew. As mentioned in Brown’s Liberation Theology: An introductory
Guide, the church based communities where inspired by “a conviction that the
world should not be this way, a rediscovery of the biblical notion of the preferential
option for the poor, a new accent on hope and a possibility of liberation…”
(Brown 71). I find this interpretation of the church extremely inspiring. To
believe that change is mandated by the gospel and to challenge the
institutions, especially the hierarchical church, and tailor ideologies to fit
one's needs is a liberating experience. One of the members of this church based
community shared that when they were building their church the military showed
up and attempted to stop them. She said that to prevent them from derailing
their project, the church members sat on the
foundation rocks of the building for hours to show that they weren’t going
anywhere. I was so blown away by their bravery and dedication. Listening to
their experiences was incredibly inspiring and I would have loved to talk to
them longer.
Linda Madrid
2015 Delegation
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