‘Bleeding Catholicism’: Liberation Theology’s Demise and the Emergence of Pentecostalism in Latin America

Abstract

This essay examines the apparent decline of Liberation theology and the rise of Pentecostalism in Latin America. Due to the retreat of Liberation theology from the forefront of public discourse in 1989 and the larger loss of emancipatory philosophy, Catholicism in Latin America has experienced bleeding, losing adherence to charismatic religions over time. Through an examination of the socio-religious landscape, this study seeks to determine whether there is any relationship between the growth of Pentecostalism and the demise of Liberation theology in a Neoliberal Age. This study aims to shed light on the complex relationships that exist between social shifts, religious concepts, the evolving religious landscape, and the social order in Latin America.

Keywords

• liberation theology
• Latin America
• Pentecostalism
• Catholicism
• neoliberalism
• social imaginaries