LAUSR

ABSTRACT The turn to religion within critical theory has brought the critique of ideology back into theological view. This essay examines the relation of theology to ideology in the liberation theology of Juan Luis Segundo. Segundo's key contribution is his use of the concept of ideology as an efficacious force in theological work in service to poor communities. I argue that the critical and political force of Segundo's theology is dulled by this neutral use of ideology critique. This may be ameliorated by consulting Slavoj Žižek's negative use of Christianity as ideology critique. Without endorsing Žižek over Segundo, I propose that Žižek's critical use of political theology can help liberation theology reengage the role of negativity and critique in the immanent relation of theory and praxis.