Soteriology
Soteriology (/soʊˌtɪriˈɒlədʒi/; Greek: σωτηρία sōtēria "salvation" from σωτήρ sōtēr "savior, preserver" and λόγος logos "study" or "word") is the study of religious doctrines of salvation. Salvation theory occupies a place of special significance in many religions. In the academic field of religious studies, soteriology is understood by scholars as representing a key theme in a number of different religions and is often studied in a comparative context; that is, comparing various ideas about what salvation is and how it is obtained.
The concept of salvation varies across different religious and philosophical traditions, but generally, it refers to the deliverance or rescue from some form of peril, harm, or undesirable condition. Salvation often has a spiritual or religious connotation and is associated with the idea of being saved or redeemed from sin, suffering, or separation from a divine reality.
Salvation:
1 a:deliverance from the power and effects of sin
1 b:the agent or means that effects salvation
1 c:Christian Science: the realization of the supremacy of infinite Mind over all bringing with it the destruction of the illusion of sin, sickness, and death
2 :liberation from ignorance or illusion
3 a:preservation from destruction or failure
3 b:deliverance from danger or difficulty
Salvation: 22 elements
While it may be dangerous, harmful or detrimental to place one’s authority fully in one specific religion, philosophy or belief system, here are 20 elements that are often universally seen as elements lead to or form salvation. It’s also important to recognize that beliefs about salvation can vary widely among different cultures and religious traditions. Without further ado, here they are.
Faith/Belief:
Trust or belief in a higher power, deity, or certain principles besides trust and belief in one’s present self.
Divine Grace:
The concept of receiving salvation as a gift or divine grace, often irrespective of one's merit.
Forgiveness:
Receiving forgiveness for sins, often through divine mercy.
Love/Compassion:
Connection to a divine love and compassion, as well as the expression of love toward others.
Good Works/Righteousness:
Performing good deeds or living a righteous life as a reflection of one's faith.
Redemption:
Being saved or redeemed from the consequences of sin.
Sacrifice/Atonement:
The belief in a sacrificial act or process for the remission of sins.
Knowledge/Wisdom:
The pursuit of spiritual knowledge or wisdom as a means to salvation.
Submission/Obedience:
Positively and effectively submitting to the will of a higher power and obeying divine commandments.
Transformation:
Experiencing a transformative process or spiritual rebirth.
Hope:
Believing in a positive future, often tied to an afterlife.
Community/Communion:
Participating in communal worship, fellowship, or a sense of unity with others.
Service/Compassionate Action:
Engaging in acts of service and compassionate actions toward others.
Purification:
The idea of purifying oneself from sin or impurities.
Seeking Truth:
Pursuing truth and understanding as a means to salvation.
Merging:
The act of becoming, unifying and merging with God.
Intention:
Right intention setting and ethical conduct.
Divination, Prayer or Meditation:
Communicating with the metaphysical or divine through effective methods tarot, divination, prayer or meditation.
Humility:
Embracing humility and acknowledging one's dependence on a higher power.
Understanding Materialism:
Recognizing the limitations of material pursuits while focusing on spiritual growth.
Universal Love/Inclusivity:
Embracing a universal love for all beings and fostering inclusivity.
Repentance:
Turning away from sin or wrongdoing.
From a more secular standpoint, salvation might be seen as the pursuit of personal or societal well-being, freedom from oppression, or the realization of a utopian state. Again, it's crucial to emphasize that these elements are generalized and might not apply universally to every belief system. The specific elements and their emphasis can vary significantly across cultures, religions, and philosophical traditions.