Name Leonardo Boff Role Theologian | Siblings Clodovis Boff | |
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Partner Marcia Monteiro da Silva Miranda Education Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich Parents Regina Fontana Boff, Mansueto Boff Books Cry of the earth - cry of the poor, Jesus Christ liberator, Introducing Liberation Theology, Essential Care, Church - charism and power Similar People | ||
Leonardo boff mysticism can heal the planet wccm john main seminar 2012
Leonardo Boff is a Brazilian theologian and writer, known for his active support for the rights of the poor and excluded. He currently serves as Professor Emeritus of Ethics, Philosophy of Religion, and Ecology at the Rio de Janeiro State University.
Contents
- Leonardo boff mysticism can heal the planet wccm john main seminar 2012
- Leonardo boff zu drewermann heilung befreiung
- Studies as a priest
- Liberation theology
- Political views
- Secularization
- Works
- References
Leonardo boff zu drewermann heilung befreiung
Studies as a priest
Born Genézio Darci Boff on 14 December 1938 in Concórdia, Santa Catarina, Brazil, he entered the Franciscan Order in 1959 and was ordained a Catholic priest in 1964. He spent the lfollowing years studying for a doctorate in theology and philosophy at the University of Munich, which he received in 1970. Boff's doctoral thesis studied in what measure the Church can be a sign of the sacred and the divine in the secular world and in the process of liberatiookn of the oppressed. He has since published his thesis as a book available in German, entitled Die Kirche als Sakrament im Horizont der Welterfahrung.
His brother is Father Clodovis Boff.
Liberation theology
Boff became one of the best known supporters (along with Gustavo Gutiérrez, Juan Luis Segundo and Jon Sobrino) of the early liberation theologians. He was present in the first reflections that sought to articulate indignation against poverty and marginalization with promissory discourse of the faith, leading to liberation theology. He continues to be a controversial figure in the Catholic Church, primarily for his sharp criticism of the church's hierarchy, which he sees as "fundamentalist", but also for his past critical support of communist régimes.
Political views
Boff is critical of secular power as well of U.S. foreign policy. He opposed the Iraq War and considered George W. Bush and Ariel Sharon's leadership to be similar to that of "fundamentalist terrorist states." He also criticizes despotic rulers in the Middle East: "Those [emirs and kings] are despotic, they do not even have a constitution. Though extremely rich, they maintain the people in poverty."
In November 2001, Boff said that "One of the worst fundamentalisms is that of neoliberalism".
Secularization
Authorities in the Roman Catholic Church did not appreciate Boff's criticism of the Church's leadership. They also felt his support of liberation theology had "politicized everything" and accused him of Marxism. In 1985, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, directed at that time by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict XVI), silenced him for a year for his book Church: Charism and Power. He later accused Ratzinger of "religious terrorism".
Boff was almost silenced again in 1992 by Rome, this time to prevent him from participating in the Eco-92 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, which finally led him to leave the Franciscan religious order and the priestly ministry.
Boff joined the international group of Catholic Scholars who in 2012 issued the Jubilee Declaration on reform of authority in the Catholic Church.
For most of his life Boff has worked as a professor in the academic fields of theology, ethics and philosophy throughout Brazil and also as lecturer in many universities abroad such as University of Lisbon, University of Barcelona, University of Lund, University of Oslo, University of Torino and others.
Boff commented on the election of Pope Francis in March 2013: "I am encouraged by this choice, viewing it as a pledge for a church of simplicity and of ecological ideals." He said the new pope was conservative in many respects but had liberal views on some subjects as well.