The Necessity of a Theology from Below

 

Reflections on a Faith Embodied in the Lives of People

Paolo Cugini

 

Within the broad landscape of contemporary theological thought, there is a growing awareness that theology can no longer be constructed solely "from above," as an abstract reflection disconnected from the concrete needs of people. The call for a theology from below arises from the lived experiences of communities, of the peripheries—stories often marked by marginalization, exclusion, suffering, but also by hope and resistance. This need is not merely a passing trend in academic or pastoral contexts; it emerges from a profound movement within the history of faith, Christianity, and religions more broadly—a movement toward rereading the experience of God starting from the real lives of believers and seekers.

Theology from below stands in contrast to a theology from above, which is often centered on doctrinal and dogmatic systems produced by religious or academic elites, sometimes far removed from the everyday realities of ordinary people. “From below” signifies a movement that begins with the people, with concrete experience, and with reading the Word in dialogue with the social, cultural, political, and economic realities of life.

This theology is nourished by the stories, struggles, dreams, and wounds of people—especially those on the margins: the poor, the excluded, victims of injustice, LGBTQ+ persons, and women. It also includes those labeled by society as minorities: Indigenous peoples, persecuted ethnic groups, the homeless, nomads, Roma communities. There is an entire world living in the “underground” of history—systematically excluded not only by a society that tells its story from the center, but also by the Church and Christian communities trapped in a dominant theological narrative. The goal is not to replace one vision with another, but to integrate the perspective of lived experience into the reflection on God, the Church, and the ultimate meaning of life.

The biblical tradition itself shows how God often reveals Himself to those in the most difficult situations: Abraham is called from the desert, Moses leads a people out of slavery, the prophets speak for those who have no voice. The Gospel of Jesus is deeply marked by encounters with the excluded—women and men who are sick, poor, or foreigners. The cross of Christ is the supreme expression of a God who joins wounded humanity.

Throughout Church history, the tension between “official” theology and the popular faith lived in the concreteness of daily life has always been present. One need only think of popular devotions, reform movements, and struggles for social justice.

In recent decades, movements such as liberation theology in Latin America have made it clear that reflection on God must begin with the concrete experience of the poor and the oppressed. Likewise, feminist theologies, queer theologies, Indigenous and postcolonial theologies remind us that many often-silenced voices have something essential to say about the mystery of God.

We live in an age shaped by multiple crises—social, economic, environmental, and a profound crisis of meaning. In many parts of the world, religious institutions appear distant from the real needs of communities. In this context, a theology from below is not only timely but urgent. It offers a renewed credibility to the Christian message because it places the person—with their history, their suffering, and their hopes—at the center. Through genuine listening to the questions, anxieties, and longings that arise from real life, theological reflection becomes more human, more accessible, and more prophetic. A theology from below also creates space for the recognition of experiences that have historically been excluded from theological production and decision-making—due to origin, social class, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or economic condition.

Experiences of theology from below have already borne extraordinary fruit: greater attention to inclusion, a fresh rereading of Scripture, interreligious and intercultural dialogue, and engagement in the pursuit of social justice and peace. Pastoral practices have emerged that are more participatory and inclusive, valuing the richness of diverse experiences. This perspective does not abandon the search for theological truth; rather, it grounds it in the life of the community—in shared experience, concrete service, and mutual listening. In this way, theology ceases to be only words and becomes gesture, action, and daily commitment.

While theology from below opens new horizons, it also brings challenges. The first is the risk of fragmentation: listening to many voices is enriching, but it also requires careful synthesis and discernment. Moreover, it is important not to radically oppose “above” and “below,” but instead to foster a fruitful dialogue between academic reflection and daily life. Another challenge is the risk of relativism: placing experience at the center could lead to a loss of coherence or meaning. Yet a theology from below that is rooted in Scripture, in living tradition, and in communal discernment can maintain a clear and strong orientation.

Looking forward, theology from below must become ever more dialogical, plural, and attentive to the signs of the times. It is a theology that hears the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor, as Pope Francis has reminded us. It is capable of taking seriously the questions of new generations, minorities, migrants, Indigenous peoples, women, and LGBTQIA+ persons. It will become increasingly important to form communities capable of discernment and deep listening, where reflection on God emerges from encounter and shared experience—not just from authority or doctrine. Theology from below is not a trend, nor merely one option among many: it is the response to a deep need in our communities and societies. It is a way of restoring meaning and strength to the Christian message, and of building more just, open, and welcoming Churches and societies. Only by listening to those who walk at the margins of history can theology truly become a living word—capable of transforming the world.