Discuss the origins and growth of the liberation theology movement in Latin America up to 1980.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the origins and growth of the liberation theology movement in Latin America up to 1980. Although discussion of both origins and growth is required, allow for some imbalance in their treatment. For origins, candidates may argue that the liberation theology movement responded to unaddressed economic and social problems such as poverty and hunger. They may also argue that the Second Vatican Council contributed to its foundation. For growth, candidates may discuss the contribution of working priests and Christian-based neighbour organizations that worked to promote land redistribution and better working conditions. They may argue that the growth of the movement was limited by the Church itself and, in some countries, by military governments as they both objected to what they claimed was a Marxist element in the ideology of the movement.