Jon Sobrino facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jon Sobrino
|
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sobrino in 2013
|
|||||
| Born | 27 December 1938 |
||||
|
|||||
| Alma mater |
|
||||
|
Notable work
|
|
||||
| Scientific career | |||||
| Institutions | Central American University | ||||
| Influences |
|
||||
Jon Sobrino (born December 27, 1938) is a Spanish Jesuit priest and theologian. He is well-known for his ideas on Latin American liberation theology. This way of thinking focuses on helping people who are poor and suffering.
In 2007, the Vatican raised concerns about some of his teachings. They said certain ideas were "erroneous or dangerous" and could "cause harm."
Contents
Jon Sobrino's Life and Work
Early Life and Education
Jon Sobrino was born in Barcelona, Spain, on December 27, 1938. When he was 18, he joined the Society of Jesus, a religious order. A year later, in 1958, he moved to El Salvador.
He studied engineering at Saint Louis University in the United States. Later, he studied theology in Frankfurt, Germany, to earn his doctorate degree.
Teaching in El Salvador
After his studies, Sobrino returned to El Salvador. He became a teacher at the University of Central America (UCA) in San Salvador. He even helped to start this university.
A Narrow Escape
On November 16, 1989, Jon Sobrino was very lucky to be away from El Salvador. This was when a terrible event happened at the UCA. An army unit broke into the university and brutally murdered six of his fellow Jesuits. They also killed their housekeeper and her 16-year-old daughter.
These Jesuits were targeted because they spoke out for peace. They wanted to end the brutal El Salvador Civil War. This war caused the deaths of about 75,000 people, mostly civilians.
Continuing His Work
Throughout his career, Sobrino has continued to speak up for peace. In 2008, he joined protests against the training of Latin American military officers. This training, at the School of the Americas, was linked to torture techniques.
Important Books by Jon Sobrino
Jon Sobrino has written many important books. His main works include Jesus the Liberator (1991) and Christ the Liberator (1999). Other notable books are Christology at the Crossroads (1978) and The True Church and the Poor (1984). He also wrote Spirituality of Liberation (1990) and The Principle of Mercy: Taking the Crucified People from the Cross (1994). His book No Salvation Outside the Poor and Prophetic-Utopian Essays (2008) are also well-known.
Vatican's Concerns
What is a Notification?
In March 2007, the Vatican issued a "notification" about Jon Sobrino's theological ideas. A notification is a formal statement. It means the Vatican has concerns about certain teachings. It's a critique and a warning.
Why the Vatican Was Concerned
The Vatican's main concern was that Sobrino focused too much on Jesus Christ's human side. They felt he didn't emphasize Jesus' divine nature enough. They stated that his works contained ideas that were "erroneous or dangerous."
One key point of disagreement was Sobrino's idea that the "Church of the poor" is the main way to understand Christ. The Vatican believes that the traditional "apostolic faith" (the beliefs passed down through generations) is the true foundation for understanding Christ.
The Outcome
Even though his teachings were questioned, Jon Sobrino was not officially condemned. He was not stopped from teaching or lecturing. However, the Vatican suggested that his local bishop or Jesuit superior might take action.
The Vatican explained that they issued the notification to help "the people of God," especially those who are simple and poor. They believe people have a "right to know the truth... about Christ."
Reactions from Other Theologians
Many other theologians reviewed Sobrino's work. Some, like Peter Hünermann and others, found no errors in his teachings. They even called for changes in how the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith operates.
See also
In Spanish: Jon Sobrino para niños
