Latin American Rooted Spirituality and the Culture of Encounter

Abstract

The present work seeks to illustrate the relationship that exists between the spirituality of Latin American origin, developed by the foremost theological authors, with the category of culture of encounter promoted by Pope Francis. Specifically, I would like to develop the hypothesis that there is a coincidence between the category “culture of encounter” with the most characteristic and recognized theological-spiritual roots of Latin American theology. By means of its emphasis on the mystery of the incarnation and the reign of God, a process that led her to discover not only the dignity of the excluded, and the preferential option for the poor as a guarantee of the universal offer of salvation, but also a certain understanding of others that allows them to appreciate themselves as neighbors is achieved. Characteristics that contribute to the task of Christians with other citizens in the construction of the common good, peace, integration and justice—facets that constitute some of the elements of the culture of encounter. To this end, I systematize the contributions of Gustavo Gutiérrez, Segundo Galilee, Jon Sobrino, Leonardo Boff, José María Vigíl and Ignacio Ellacuría, based on their most characteristic texts where they explain the spiritual foundation of their analyses, which are indeed biblical. These authors developed a theological-spiritual foundation that demonstrated a relationship between contemplation and commitment, enabling the recognition of the Other (movement of God in his Incarnate Son and the sending of the Spirit) and of the others (movement towards the various Latin American presences) in their concrete cultural reality. This process supported their understanding of the other/different as neighbor. Enabling the other/diverse to not be shifted into adversary, or stranger, but understood rather as a valid interlocutor. In this way, there developed in the theological-pastoral reflection of Latin America a spiritual underpinning that allows the disciples not only to enter into dialogue, but also to go out to meet the other who is seen as neighbor.