jeudi 30 mai 2019

The Meaning Of Salvation Examined Within The Beliefs Of Significant Religions

By Steven Fox


The meaning of salvation is a dominant part of many main religions of the world. Ideas and theories of how to reach this state of salvation may vary from one belief structure to another, however, achieving this objective of many believers.

The dictionary definition of salvation refers to deliverance from harm, difficulty, ruin, loss, destruction or evil. Examination of news media will reveal common usage of the word in various forms. For example reference to someone being acknowledged for bringing economic salvation after a recessionary period, or political salvation after a period of social unrest within a country. When used in a religious context this would refer specifically to the deliverance from sin and its consequences.

Islamic teaching within the Koran inform us that salvation is only achievable by the worship of God solely. Individuals must have complete belief in God, obey the divine rules as prescribed and be absolutely sincere in worship. Theologians of Islam say additional to total faith, our deeds, an attitude of repentance and the will of merciful Allah are all requirements, however, it is the attitude of total devotion to the most merciful that lays the foundations.

Buddhists believe that salvation is achieved through attainment of a level of Nirvana. The best way to understand this is to imagine reaching a mental state of complete bliss or as believers describe, becoming Buddha. Achieving this state requires a believer to live according to the Noble Eight-fold Path. This doctrine determines the conduct and behavior of Buddhist followers throughout their lives and even includes interacting with nature and our surroundings. The foremost of the eight steps are the Four Noble Truths that deal with the ideology around suffering.

Salvation for Christians is embedded in the belief in and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and that the incarnation, persecution and death of Jesus, through crucifixion, as related in the Bible, took away the sins of believers and made possible an eternal life in heaven in union with God the Father. Fundamental to this is the realization that mankind is inherently sinful. Forgiveness and redemption is there for all who truly believe and confess, but that this is granted through grace, not through acts or deeds, and that Jesus paid the price to atone for the sins of the faithful.

Jewish history and religious beliefs run along similar lines and shared history to that of Christianity, except that they disputed the idea that God could take on an earthly dimension as did Christ. Salvation was viewed widely as being the liberation from exile, a position in which the Jews repeatedly found themselves. Deliverance from sin and condemnation was perceived as being more in the hands of individuals, to be achieved by living a life according to high moral and ethical standards. These standards, particularly the Ten Commandments, are consulted through regular readings and instruction from the Torah.

Dating some 3500 years BC, Hinduism is the eldest of the main religions and has modified its principles and beliefs throughout history. Regularly referred to as a living religion this evolution of ideas also applies to their understanding of salvation. Reincarnation of the soul over and over, and in many forms is central to their belief. A state of deliverance is called Moksha which refers to the position of completeness that occurs when a believer is freed from the cycles of life and death becoming unified with God.

It is clear that the religious orders of the world differ widely in their beliefs, teachings and focus, yet their ultimate pursuit does not appear to be so very different.




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