CONTEXTUAL MISMATCHES. THE (NON-)RECEPTION OF THE THEOLOGY OF LIBERATION IN COMMUNIST CZECHOSLOVAKIA

Abstract

This article examines the reasons for the rejection of liberation theology by Christians in Communist Czechoslovakia who rejected any dialogue with the regime. It presents both the positive and negative sides of the meetings between Christians and Marxists in the country to show that, although theoretically there was the possibility of encounter, there was more non-encounter and misunderstanding. Using the example of the visit of the Brazilian Dominican Frei Bett o to the country, the article shows why the theology of liberation, as it was presented, appeared to support the regime. Finally, the article reflects on how it is possible to overcome these non-meetings in order to discover what unites instead of what separates.

KEYWORDS: Christian-Marxist Dialogue. Liberation Theology. Frei Betto. Czech¬oslovakia.