Soteriology

Soteriology is that part of theology or religious studies which deals with the doctrine of “salvation” (Greek sōtēria). Traditionally the emphasis has been on personal salvation, but emerging theologies bring into focus also the corporate and cosmic dimensions. My narrative-historical perspective highlights the theme of the salvation of the people of God, in the first place from the destruction of the impending Jewish War, secondly from severe persecution, initially from the Jews but increasingly from a pagan world profoundly disturbed by the claim that Jesus had been made Lord over the nations in the place of Caesar and the multitude of ancient gods.