Reality, Truth, and Transcendence: The Theological Roots of Ignacio Martín-Baró’s Liberation Psychology

Do the theological roots of liberation psychology matter? Psychological literature that draws on Ignacio Martín-Baró’s contributions often gives vague or perfunctory treatment to his theological commitments, or even dismisses them outright. This paper aims to illuminate the significance of Martín-Baró’s theology by considering his innovative psychological work in the context of the thought and praxis of his community: the UCA Jesuits, including philosopher-theologian Ignacio Ellacuría. This interdisciplinary paper analyzes Martín-Baró’s interventions in light of Ellacuría's theology. I argue that liberative work in psychology today will benefit from attention to the theological foundations of Martín-Baró’s work, particularly his understanding of historical reality as transcendent, that is, open, dynamic, and disclosive of God’s presence. Recognizing this foundation of Martín-Baró’s psychology can help us to imagine and to open further spaces of dialogue between psychology and theology toward a shared goal of human liberation.