Is the Theory of Salvation through Jesus compatible with 21rst Century Cosmology?

Answer 1

A good, insightful question which would require a more thoughtful answer than what I am giving here in this small space.

The answer, I think, is no and yes.

First, an understanding of "salvation" is in order. Before and during the time of Christ, people had a far different understanding of salvation. If we move towards this understanding, I say YES. In these times, salvation did not mean the guarantee of eternal life after death, but a full, abundant (ie not necessarily wealthy)one -"salvation" was understood more politically than religiously in many ways, and in a collective, social sense. ( I am really skimming here and this needs so much more clarification.)

Second, an understanding of what you mean by 21st century cosmology should really be defined, but for now I don't think I will discuss what this refers to.

And finally, for the "NO" part of my answer: I think that a soteriological (salvation) theology might be possible and helpful to us if we understand salvation as liberation and restorative justice (more equitable wealth, resource, and opportunity distribution) through the teachings of Jesus that happens --or we strive to make happen-- in this lifetime and not an event that happens in the next existence..BUT the compatibility of what salvation has come to mean as a privatized, individualized religious experience that manifests as a trivialization or lack of focus on the problems and injustice of society is failing to be relevant and dangerous to the people of this 21st century world.

Answer 2

I will not even try to answer that by myself, with my inadequate knowledge of 21st Century cosmology.

I can only offer this book as an answer to that and many other questions regarding the link between Christian theology and 21st Century cosmology: The Science Before Science: A Guide To Thinking In The 21st Century by Anthony Rizzi.

As a Christian interested in 21st Century cosmology, I believe that there is sufficient proof for the compatibility of most Christian doctrine with the findings and theories of 21st Century science.

Answer 3

What is 21st century Cosmology!

Pluto: Planet or not!

Big Bang or Steady State!

Where did all the MASS that has been in the Universe forever come from!

We can't decide if Pluto is a planet but we are deciding there are planets around stars we can't see those planets from!

Those planets must be going around thier stars real fast, otherwise where did the imperical data come from?

The same place as Cylde found Pluto!

Funny how we keep getting back to poor Pluto!

Are Phobos and Demos really moons?

They aren't very big!

If we go to Jupiter and it has thousands of littel 5 miles objects circling, are they all MOONS or do we demote Phobos and Demos!

This is 21st century Cosmology, Pluto is no more!

Answer 4

Well, I would call Salvation a doctrine, instead of a hypothesis. But that term works too. I guess the definition of where "heaven" is supposed to be would be contingent on the compatibility between the two. We can see pretty far out into space, and no one has seen any pearly gates yet.

Answer 5

It is not the "theory" of Salvation through Jesus ... it is the offer of Salvation (St. John 3:16)

Even in the 21st Century, human needs and human failures remain very real and so does their need of Salvation.

Answer 6

Eh, even if there is some discrepency (I can't remember any specific passage where Jesus referred to the cosmos) Christians will explain that he was using metaphor or poetic license or something. I just wish they'd explain the criteria for poetry and prophecy.

Answer 7

Salvation is a hypothesis, not a theory. Shame on you Jim. :P

Answer 8

Yes.

Answer 9

I don't see the connection you are referring to. So I don't see any problems.