Hi John, 

This is just my nitpick, so take it with a grain of salt. I don't think the term "preferential" captures the imperative that Jesus or Marxism demands. I think in terms of the revolutionary imperative of solidarity with all of the oppressed.

Rev. Charley Earp - #CommiePreacher

hey Charlie! 

Thanks for chiming in. In liberation theology I like the idea of preferential option for the poor, or the marginalized, because the world normally operates with a preferential option for the ruling class. 

The preferential option is a church from below, it centers the death-dealing realities many people ignore, or have the privilege never to experience. And it says you stand in solidarity with those on the margins, because we are closer to their reality than the reality of the super wealthy. 

And why would we not want to live a life that prioritizes overcoming the efforts of continued dehumanization? Why would we not want to sustain the planet? Why would we not want to fight for a reality that is life giving? 

In many ways, a theology of liberation can look a lot like a form of Marxism in that regard, and eventually when I get to the strategy series I will explain how I think democratic centralism, like lenin and company used, is part of a meaningful way forward. 

I am toying with “prophetic imperative” as used my Richard S Gilbert, and think that may be what I go with in the future. Part of the reason I chose preferential option is also for the Christian academics who found their way here as it’s a link to early Latin American work. 

I appreciate the engagement!