Perspectives on the History of the Church and Catholicism in Colombia (1960-2020)

Political and social conflicts in Colombia are intricately intertwinedwith the history of the Church and Catholicism, characterized by disputes over secularization and modernization in the 19th and 20th centuries. Despite these processes, the Church and Catholicism maintain a central role in the political and social sphere, closely linked to national identity and religion. This essay reviews prominent literature from the second half of the 20th century and the early 21st century on the history of the Church and Catholicism in Colombia. Three types of literature are identified: internal analysis of the Church and its relationship with the state, cultural history examining beliefs and practices in society, and perspectives highlighting silenced voices, especially women, who resisted and reinterpreted official Catholic discourses. The essay underscores the importance of paying attention to the correlation between politics and religion to grasp Colombian society fully, acknowledging the need for a global and comparative approach.