Like liberation theologians, many academicians remain mesmerized by collectivism and even dedicated to collectivist militancy. Here from Father Robert A. Sirico is an update on, and refutation of, liberation theology. Excerpts:

The Bible teaches concern for the poor, liberation theologists said, and then went a step further: Jesus was a symbol and advocate of class warfare to expropriate from the rich on behalf of the poor. At least 100 years of evidence stands contrary to the claim that a more powerful state (and that is all liberation theology really offers) is the proper means to material advance. Nothing is to be gained for anyone but the state by smashing the rich. What society needs is not expropriation but ever widening opportunities for all classes to improve their living standards. There is only one way toward liberation, and that is a genuine liberalization of economic and political life, one that separates the state, not only from the Church, but also from the culture and the commercial life of the nation. (“Liberty Theology,” The Wall Street Journal, December 31)