LIBERA(C)TION

(banner image by Emmanuel Garibay)

Materials Needed:

A tarot deck, any tarot deck. If you do not have one, don't worry there is one that comes with this game.

A D20 (you can use one online if you do not already have one)

Something to record your journey with:

A Journal, Computer, Video Recording, anything will do.

What's inside?

Inside Libera(c)tion, you will find 30 pages of Solo-Journaling RPG Goodness, With deep character creation, and philosophical and spiritual exploration. It is part game and part education so you can take the lessons learned and character cultivated and learn to do the same within your community. 

While you will find some information about why I chose the Tarot to explore liberation theology, you will also find six different liberation theologian profiles, a way of combining Jon Sobrino's Mystagogy and Mao's practice, as well as various other introductions into how to take part in liberation theology and begin to engage in praxis.

We cannot hope that the ruling class is going to reform itself for our benefit, and this game is about exploring that fact about our reality. With nothing to lose but our chains, a new world is worth shaping. 

Please Note: Some people might not be religious, and some people might not even believe in any sort of Divine Mystery beyond our human predicament. To the non-religious and the atheist, you also can do and participate in liberation theology. As a matter of fact, everyone is needed for our collective liberation, and if Mao and Lenin are seen as fundamental to the understanding of Liberation Theology, you are too!

Who is this game inspired by?

This game is inspired by world shapers and challengers of the status quo. 

Liberation Theologians: Jon Sobrino, Ernesto Cardenal, Leonardo Boff, Gustavo Gutierrez, Beatriz Mealno, James Cone and more

Marxists: Karl Marx, Fred Hampton, Friedrich Engels, Vladamir Lenin, Che Guevara, Mao Zedong, Fidel Castro, Angela Davis

As well as: Paulo Freire, Chuck D, Lenny Duncan, Abraham Joshua Heschel, Brother Ali, Alice Bag, Cristy C Road, Bad Religion, Deke Nihilson, and Vaginal Davis

Lumina Nocturna is a city veiled in both darkness and light, where the struggles of its citizens paint a stark picture of systemic oppression. Poverty grips the alleys and corners, intertwining with food insecurity that gnaws at the stomachs of the forgotten. Unrest simmers beneath the surface, fueled by a sense of injustice that pervades every interaction.

The streets echo with the heavy footfalls of harsh police forces, enforcing laws that often weigh disproportionately on the marginalized. Anti-trans policies and legislation cast a shadow over the city, creating barriers for those seeking acceptance and equality. Meanwhile, great wealth inequality looms large, visible in the stark contrast between opulent neighborhoods and neglected districts.

Higher costs of living without a commensurate rise in the minimum wage push many to the brink, while gentrification displaces communities rooted in the city's history. Racism, like a poison, seeps into social structures, perpetuating cycles of discrimination and exclusion. The homeless population swells, seeking refuge where little is offered.

Social segregation weaves its threads through every aspect of life, creating divides that are both seen and unseen. Yet, amidst this darkness, there are beacons of hope. Churches in Lumina Nocturna stand as both sanctuaries and battlegrounds. Some embrace the call to solidarity, engaging with the oppressed in their struggle for liberation.

These churches offer support, advocacy, and a vision of a better world. However, there are others who choose to protect the status quo, turning a blind eye to the suffering of those on the margins. They preach conformity and complacency, drawing lines that deepen the divides already present.

In Lumina Nocturna, the awareness of oppression is not just a whisper but a growing roar, echoing through the city's streets and hearts. It is a place where the struggle for liberation is both personal and collective, where the choices of its inhabitants shape the path ahead—a path illuminated by the flickering hope of change.

In Libera(c)tion you playe Liberation theologian either Pastoral or Popular, doing what you can to address the systemic inequity within Lumina Nocturna. 

Pastoral Liberation Theologian:

A pastoral theologian, within the context of liberation theology and in the scenario of Lumina Nocturna, embodies the intersection of spiritual leadership, community engagement, and social justice advocacy within a local church setting. They serve as spiritual guides, counselors, and advocates for the marginalized and oppressed in their congregations and communities.

Drawing from the insights of liberation theology, pastoral theologians engage in pastoral care that addresses not only individual spiritual needs but also systemic injustices. Their role involves creating inclusive and welcoming spaces for all members, including those facing discrimination based on race, gender identity, economic status, or other factors.

Through the scenario-based journaling prompts, Pastoral theologians engage in reflection on personal experiences of injustice, the challenges of advocating for social change within congregations, and the tensions between upholding traditional teachings and embracing liberation theology's call for solidarity with the oppressed. They navigate complex ethical dilemmas, promote dialogue and understanding, and empower their communities to take action for justice and compassion.

In Lumina Nocturna, pastoral theologians are pivotal in fostering a culture of inclusivity, social awareness, and transformative spirituality within their churches. They work alongside popular theologians, embodying the values of liberation theology in their pastoral ministry and leadership roles.

Popular Liberation Theologian:

A popular theologian, within the context of liberation theology and the scenario of Lumina Nocturna, represents the voice and perspective of the broader community engaged in the struggles for liberation and social justice. They are not necessarily trained in formal theological education like professional theologians but are deeply immersed in the lived experiences and collective wisdom of their community.

Drawing from the insights of liberation theology, popular theologians facilitate dialogue, reflection, and action within their community. They often bring a grassroots perspective, emphasizing the importance of local knowledge, cultural traditions, and collective resistance against oppression.

Through the scenario-based journaling prompts, popular theologians encourage personal narratives, storytelling, and exploration of community dynamics. They highlight the challenges faced by marginalized groups, the power dynamics within churches and social structures, and the resilience and creativity of communities in resisting oppression.

In Lumina Nocturna, popular theologians play a vital role in articulating the aspirations, struggles, and visions of the oppressed and marginalized. They collaborate with pastoral theologians, contributing to a holistic understanding of liberation theology that is rooted in the realities and aspirations of the people.

So welcome to Lumina Nocturna, a city that can use all the help it can get.