| This dissertation makes a contribution by providing an in-depth discussion of Leonardo Boff's theological anthropology as an introduction to his theology. In particular, it presents a systematization and interpretation of his anthropology and offers a critical assessment of his contribution in the area of method in theological anthropology. Our main proposal is that Boff has radicalized a progressive modern Catholic theological anthropology by introducing a Franciscan, liberationist, and Latin American perspective.;I call anthropogenesis Boff's idea of a permanent genesis of humanity within the evolutionary process and in the course of history which leads towards the emergence of a new and fully developed humanity and a just and free society as the result of both God's grace and liberating action on behalf of humanity, particularly the poor and oppressed, and also humanity's struggle for integral liberation. This new humanity, proleptically revealed and realized in Jesus Christ, Mary, and Saint Francis, should now be generated under the limiting conditions of finitude, sin, injustice, and death by a faithful, free and loving interpersonal and political praxis that can develop the fundamental human relationships through the development of a socio-economic and cultural democratic society, an ecological democracy, and a democratic Christianity in openness to God-Trinity.;Chapter I provides a general framework for understanding Boff's writings by specifying his socio-historical, ecclesial and theological context. Chapters II-IV present my own systematic reconstruction of his ontology, and his understanding of sin, salvation, and liberation in the context of his Franciscan spirituality. Chapter V challenges the opinions of North American theologians who argue that Latin America liberation theology lacks a theological anthropology. Chapter VI discusses several methodological limitations in Boff's anthropology and characterizes this anthropology in light of his newest theological and political agenda. |
