{"id":1087,"date":"2013-02-20T19:26:11","date_gmt":"2013-02-20T11:26:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/jacksonwu\/?p=1087"},"modified":"2013-02-20T19:26:11","modified_gmt":"2013-02-20T11:26:11","slug":"what-is-most-fundamental-in-salvation-a-problem-in-theological-debates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/jacksonwu\/2013\/02\/20\/what-is-most-fundamental-in-salvation-a-problem-in-theological-debates\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Most "Fundamental" in Salvation?: A Problem in Theological Debates"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>

Theological debates are often fueled by a lack of clarity about both the terms we use and the question being answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Augustine\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Consider the doctrines related to salvation. Much of evangelical theology focuses on mechanism<\/i> (how<\/i><\/b> salvation works) rather than teleology<\/i> (why<\/i><\/b> God saves). One group of people speaks about the parts that make the whole work. For example, forgiveness is an essential component to salvation. Another camps focuses on God\u2019s end goals\u2013\u2013for example, we could mention Gods glory and new creation. What results? People hit an impasse as to what is most \u201cfundamental\u201d in theology debates (e.g. atonement theories, guilt\/shame . . . ).<\/span><\/p>\n

How do we define what is \u201cfundamental\u201d?<\/em> By a thing\u2019s parts or by its purpose? From different perspectives, answers can vary according to the context of the conversation. By recognizing the distinction highlighted here, people can better interpret Scripture and maintain unity across theological traditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Look at the following verses and ask yourself what is most fundamental?<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Romans 2:23-24<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
\n

\u201cYou who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. For, as it is written, \u2018The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.\u2019\u201d (ESV)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

What is the most fundamental human problem mentioned here? It is easy to simply say \u201csin,\u201d but the word is not mentioned here and giving that answer dodges the questions a bit. Is \u201claw\u201d or \u201chonor\u201d the primary category of describing the error committed by these people? In Western theology, sin is primarily regarded as an infraction of God\u2019s law. <\/span><\/p>\n

However, notice here that \u201cbreaking the law\u201d is a prepositional phrase that expresses a means\/method. The main problem is that these people \u201cdishonor God.\u201d (The verb \u201cboast\u201d is not the verb of the sentence, as it functions to clarify the subject of the sentence.) This interpretation is confirmed by Rom 2:24 which support v. 23 with a Scripture citation, \u201cFor, as it is written . . . .\u201d The issue in v. 24 is that \u201cThe name of God is blasphemed . . . .\u201d Again, the issue is not merely transgressing a legal standard. It is bringing shame upon God\u2019s name.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. 1 Peter 2:9<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cBut you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.\u201d (ESV)<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Peter intermingles multiple images when he describes God\u2019s people, like \u201cchosen race,\u201d \u201croyal,\u201d \u201cpriesthood,\u201d \u201choly nation,\u201d etc. In addition to using varied metaphors, the entire verse draws from many Old Testament passages, which means that the metaphors carry the added significance derived from their Old Testament context. How easy is it to emphasize one aspect over another? <\/span><\/p>\n

Which is most fundamental?<\/em><\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n

This is not always a helpful question.<\/span><\/p>\n

Western thinking is characterized by analysis such that one breaks a thing into its irreducible parts. A \u201cthing\u201d is categorized according to its own inherent traits (as we see them), separated from its context. Therefore, if people had a carrot, a pineapple, and a rabbit, then Westerners tend to lump the carrot and pineapple together since they are \u201cfoods,\u201d even though, relationally speaking, a carrot and rabbit may be a more natural fit.<\/span><\/p>\n

When we label something as being \u201cmost fundamental,\u201d we need to define our terms. This is not so obvious a classification as one might think. We have to admit our assumptions so as not to argue past one another. Depending on perspective and context, multiple things could be \u201cmost fundamental.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Enhanced<\/a><\/div>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Theological debates are often fueled by a lack of clarity about both the terms we use and the question being answered. Consider the doctrines related to salvation. Much of evangelical theology focuses on mechanism (how salvation works) rather than teleology (why God saves). One group of people speaks about the parts that make the whole […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2368,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,8,16],"tags":[209],"class_list":["post-1087","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-contextualization","category-honor-shame-face","category-theology","tag-salvation-soteriology"],"yoast_head":"\nWhat is Most "Fundamental" in Salvation?: A Problem in Theological Debates<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Theological debates are often fueled by a lack of clarity about both the terms we use and the question being answered. 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