The Shape of Soteriology

Abstract

This chapter distils from the previous four chapters seven key areas which are identified as crucial for developing a contemporary Christian doctrine of salvation. The ‘shape’ of salvation is presented as an exposition of what one is saved from and for, by whom/what one is saved, and what one is saved into. In filling in this ‘template’ the seven areas which need exploring are: a broad definition of sin; the affective dimension of salvation; salvation is a present (and not just a post-death) experience; whether human action contributes to the experience of salvation; social salvation; institutional forms of social salvation; the hiddenness of God.