Salvation as Praxis A Practical Theology of Salvation for a Multi-Faith World

This title argues that Christian understanding of salvation is not about a future in heaven but a way of life that shapes the present. This book draws on methods in practical theology. It begins with a deep concern for the threat to the world's future created by tensions between the 'Christian West' and 'Muslim East' and considers the impact these concerns have on attitudes towards Muslims in the West both within and outside of Christianity. Salvation as Praxis argues that a Christian understanding of salvation is not simply about a hope for the future in heaven, but about a way of life that shapes the present and works for a better future in this world. The book argues that such ways of thinking about salvation must be given greater prominence when thinking about inter-faith questions. In practice, that should lead the Christian community, in solidarity with their Muslim brothers and sisters, to engage in radical transformative action to make the world a safer and better place for all its inhabitants.

Dr Wayne Morris is Senior Lecturer in Contextual and Practical Theology and Deputy Head of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Chester, UK.

Introduction i. Introduction to the topic of the book. ii. Outline of the book's structure. Chapter One: Salvation and Religions i. A look at the way much thinking and writing on Christian theologies of salvation in relation to people of other religions focuses on the parameters of, and criteria by which, individuals or communities might enter heaven ii. I will argue that such an approach to salvation and religion draws on too narrow a view of salvation from within the Christian tradition and that while they can be creative they can also be divisive and destructive in inter-faith dialogue. Chapter Two: Approaching this issue using Practical Theology i. Discussion of Practical Theology as a method for doing theology a. From a Christian Perspective b. Motivated by love c. Begins with experience and takes context seriously d. Orientated towards practice and human well-being e. A critical conversation between the resources of faith (e.g. Bible, doctrine, magisterium etc.) and contemporary issues and concerns ii. Discussion of how this Practical Theology will approach the question of salvation and religions which starts with experience of the world today and explores how theologies of salvation can contribute to improving that experience. Chapter Three: Islam and Christianity, East and West i. Reflections and discussion on the issues surrounding marginalisation, 'colonialisation', globalization, political and economic exploitation, 'fear of the other', attitudes towards Muslims in the West. ii. A discussion of the contribution theology and Christianity has made to all of this. Chapter Four: Salvation as Deification i. A critical conversation between the understanding of salvation as 'deification' and the issues outlined in chapter three. ii. An exploration of what impact this theology of salvation can/does have on the present and future of this world. Chapter Five: Salvation as Sanctification i. A critical conversation between the understanding of salvation as 'sanctification' and the issues outlined in chapter three. ii. An exploration of what impact this theology of salvation can/does have on the present and future of this world. Chapter Six: Salvation as Justification i. A critical conversation between the understanding of salvation as 'justification' and the issues outlined in chapter three. ii. An exploration of what impact this theology of salvation can/does have on the present and future of this world. Chapter Seven: Salvation as Healing i. A critical conversation between the understanding of salvation as 'healing' and the issues outlined in chapter three. ii. An exploration of what impact this theology of salvation can/does have on the present and future of this world. Chapter Eight: Salvation as Liberation i. A critical conversation between the understanding of salvation as 'liberation' and the issues outlined in chapter three. ii. An exploration of what impact this theology of salvation can/does have on the present and future of this world. Conclusions: Salvation and Religions: A Practical Theological Response