The Quest for Salvation (SQ 9)

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The Quest for Salvation (SQ 9)

• What is it?
• What basic problems do religions address?
• What solutions do they propose?

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Four patterns of salvation
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1. Individual, in this world

• search for meaning
• desire to be remembered
• ideal of completion

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2. Individual, other-worldly

• joining the spirit world
• cosmic cycling or expansion
• idea of judgment

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3. Group, this-world

• through the people
• through tradition
• in the kingdom of God (on border)

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4. Group, other-worldly

• like 2 (spirit world, judgment)
• but with focus on group in the kingdom of God
• Individuals not saved in isolation
• Community of the just/blessed

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Paths to Salvation How to achieve?

• Knowledge
• Action
• Aesthetics
• Submission
• Grace (divine aid)