📘 Lexicon Entry: Ideological Criticism

Short Definition
Interpretive approach examining biblical texts primarily through external political frameworks, often subordinating theological content to ideological analysis
Definition
Interpretive approach that examines biblical texts primarily through external political, social, or cultural frameworks, often subordinating theological content to ideological analysis and making political liberation the hermeneutical key. While legitimate concern for justice emerges from biblical theology itself, ideological criticism becomes problematic when external frameworks become the primary criterion for interpretation, reducing Scripture to projection of social interests rather than allowing theological content to provide its own resources for social critique.
Category
Theological Mutation
Keywords
liberation theology, hermeneutics of suspicion, political interpretation, social justice, critical theory, biblical authority
Citation Guide
Geevarghese-Uffman, Craig. “Ideological Criticism.” *Political Theology Lexicon*. https://www.commonlifepolitics.com/p/lexicon. Accessed [date].
Orthodox Position
Social location affects interpretation, but external frameworks must be critiqued by Scripture’s own witness rather than becoming primary hermeneutical criterion
Mutated Position
External ideological frameworks become primary interpretive lens, reducing Scripture to document serving political transformation rather than divine revelation
Key Characteristics
Analysis through external frameworks like Marxism, feminism, postcolonialism; focus on power structures; emphasis on reader’s social location as determining factor
Historical Development
Developed through Latin American liberation theology (1960s-70s), expanded through feminist biblical criticism, influenced by postcolonial criticism and critical race theory
Theological Distortions
Subordinates theological content to ideological agenda, treats Scripture’s authority as derivative from political usefulness
Biblical Misinterpretation
Reduces theological claims to political projections, reads Scripture primarily as document of oppression or liberation
Contemporary Expression
Prominent in liberation theology and progressive theological education, influences social justice movements within churches
MAGA Expression
Right-wing forms can subordinate Scripture to nationalist ideology, reading biblical texts through framework of cultural war
Providential Expression
Uses providential language to justify ideological commitments while subordinating theological content to political agenda
Cultural Impact
Creates tension between scholarly interpretation and faith community needs, contributes to politicization of biblical interpretation
Academic Research
Studied through liberation theology analysis, postcolonial criticism, and examination of hermeneutical methodologies
Key Authors
Gustavo Gutiérrez, Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza, Fernando Segovia, R. S. Sugirtharajah
Path Navigation
Related Primary Concepts: Tribal Epistemology, Practical Atheism
Contemporary Movements: Identity Synthesis
Last Updated
May 26, 2025
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*This entry is part of the Political Theology Lexicon, accessible exclusively to subscribers. View the complete lexicon to explore related concepts and the full theoretical framework.*
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