Of freedom and human agency : an analysis of Luther's and Gutiérrez's understanding

Abstract

The primary difference between Martin Luther’s and Gustavo Gutiérrez’s understanding of freedom lies in each theologian’s views on human agency. Luther emphasises God’s agency in order to demonstrate human helplessness and the need to turn to God, while Gutiérrez emphasises the way in which human action affects theological reflections and political liberation, as humans participate in the continuation of God’s creation. Both manners of understanding human action are important as a system of checks and balances in the Christian life: Christians must rely on the omnipotence of God while understanding that they are also active agents in the world, and that their actions have consequences.