When did soteriological knowledge become so connected with personal salvation? Historically, soteriology was seen as an ecclesiastical issue, and one that was at the forefront of orthopraxy. Even Dordt saw the issue as an ecclesiastical one, removing the teaching from the Church without condemning the adherents as damned. Luther believed that the issues of soteriology were the foundation of the horrible practices and sacradotalism of the Catholic Church, and thus sought to reform her through orthodox Soteriological teaching. It is not until modern times I believe that you see such an emphasis on the individual believing the right soteriology in order to be saved. Of course, the second great awakening was the reemergence of the Pelagian error, and this was seen as a major salvation problem for many evangelicals, but it was more of an issue with bad practices (anxious bench, etc) than that of an individual understanding election. The point was that the bad practices were preventing or distorting the hearing of the Gospel.
Am I off base here?
[Edited on 2-16-2006 by raderag]
Am I off base here?
[Edited on 2-16-2006 by raderag]