Liberation theology is a theory that emerged from the Catholic Church in Latin America in the 1950s and 1960s. It focuses on social justice and the idea that Christians should work to liberate oppressed people from poverty and political oppression. The term "liberation theology" has become synonymous with this idea, but there are other phrases that can be used interchangeably. Some of these include "theology of liberation," "Christian socialism," and "critical social theory." Each of these terms represents the same concept of using religion as a way to fight against social injustice and oppression, and to empower marginalized communities.