What Does It Mean to Be Saved?

by

Author's note:  I want to say a word about the method behind my madness. I am intentionally trying to be provocative. However, this is not an attempt to be provocative solely for the sake of being provocative. My goal is to provoke critical thinking. We need to think critically. The ability to ask critical questions about religion, politics, culture, and society may save our democracy. This is my attempt at helping the cause to promote critical thought. The better we understand what we believe, why we believe, and answer questions we may be too afraid to ask in church (or anywhere), the better decisions Christians can make about the church's future (or Americans about the country's future).

What does it mean to be saved?

I guess I should first ask, saved from what? Hell, damnation, torment, fire, being poked by the devil with a pitchfork for all eternity, being forced to listen to Barry Manilow while watching Ice Road Truckers.  What are we being saved from? The concept of being "saved" is at the core of Christian theology, representing the ultimate aspiration for many believers. While it is a central tenet of the faith, the notion of salvation in Christianity is far from straightforward.

One of the most striking aspects of salvation in Christianity is the diversity of theological interpretations. Christian denominations and theologians offer varying perspectives on what it means to be "saved." These differences can lead to confusion and division within the faith, with debates ranging from the role of faith and works to the nature of predestination and free will.

Salvation in Christianity often carries a sense of exclusivity. The belief that one must accept Jesus Christ as one's personal savior to be saved raises questions about the fate of those who adhere to other religions or those who have never had the opportunity to hear the Christian message. This exclusivity can be seen as ethnocentric, exclusionary, and arrogant. Out of all the religions on Earth, we, the ones who follow the teachings of a first-century Galilean rabbi/carpenter, are right. Everyone else is decidedly and most certainly going to Hell. We are sure there’s no possible way we might be wrong. We know we’re right. It takes confidence bordering on arrogance to claim every person on Earth who is not like us (or, in the case of some churches, not in their denomination) is a heretic.

The concept of salvation is closely tied to the idea of divine justice. In Christianity, salvation is often framed as a means to escape eternal damnation and gain entry into heaven. However, this raises ethical questions about the nature of a loving God who condemns those who do not adhere to specific beliefs to an eternity of suffering. Some argue this view of salvation is incompatible with a compassionate God.

Another source of contention is the relationship between faith and good works in salvation. Some Christian traditions emphasize the importance of faith as the sole requirement for salvation, while others emphasize the role of good deeds and moral living. The tension between these perspectives can lead to confusion about the true nature of salvation and the role of human agency in achieving it.

The concept of salvation also has profound psychological implications for believers. The fear of damnation and the desire for salvation can lead to feelings of guilt, anxiety, and existential angst. The fear of falling short of divine expectations can be emotionally taxing and may lead to unworthiness and self-loathing. Some churches use the concept of salvation to bully their members and psychologically abuse their members by exploiting these feelings of fear, anxiety, and guilt.

While salvation is framed as the ultimate goal in Christianity, some critics argue that it can overshadow the importance of living a meaningful and ethical life in the here and now. The focus on the afterlife can lead to neglecting to address pressing social issues, ethical dilemmas, and the pursuit of a just and compassionate society.

So, what does “being saved” mean to me?

Probably not what it means to you. It certainly has nothing to do with keeping me out of Hell. It has nothing to do with asking Jesus to forgive me for being the human being he made me to be. It has everything to do with being made whole.

The concept of being "saved" in Christianity is a complex and multifaceted one, filled with theological diversity, ethical questions, and psychological implications. While it serves as a central pillar of the faith for many, it also raises significant challenges and concerns. A critical examination of this concept calls for a deeper exploration of its theological underpinnings, ethical implications, and its impact on the lives of believers. Ultimately, the meaning of salvation in Christianity remains a subject of profound debate and introspection within the Christian tradition and beyond.