This thesis explores a universal theology of liberation that is inclusive of all religions andcultures, derived from the plight of the poor and oppressed, whereby the consciousness of the
ruling factions of the world is awakened to transform the social, cultural, economic, and political
policies and strategies of oppression. This language of liberation has been spoken throughout the
evolution of American history. This theology is derived from the gospel of Christ in protest
against racism, slavery, and the oppression of the disinherited of the world. From the forerunner
of liberation language against racial oppression, Frederick Douglass, the abolitionist, spoke
against the abominations of slavery. Howard Thurman, the mystic, advocated the love ethic of
Jesus to engage the oppressor. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. emphasized the mission of the church
as a force for social change in the challenge to racism. Malcolm X proclaimed the pursuit of
justice by whatever means were necessary. Dr. James H. Cone declared the gospel of Christ as a
message of liberation. Womanist theologians Delores S. Williams and Jacquelyn Grant declared
the legitimacy of Black women’s experiences and theological voices in the church. Mary Daly,
the feminist theologian, argued for equality in church and society, free of gender and racial bias.
INDEX WORDS: Christianity, Theology, Liberation, Gospel, Christ, Oppression, Universality
