| This research project focuses on sermons (as found in literature and on the internet), that deal with the concept of salvation'. The questions asked have three main centers: a. How does the minister who delivers the sermon speak of salvation'? Which images, concepts and theological interpretations are central to him? What view of damnation ( Unheil') is presupposed? Does the sermon focus on damnation as experienced or as stated? b. How does the speaker connect his view of salvation with Christ? Is Christ being proclaimed as the bringer of salvation? Does this happen in a dogmatic manner (e.g. in propositions) or in a manner of speech intending to proclaim the message on the basis of human experience? c. Does the minister envisage that his assertions on salvation in Christ may imply a judgement on the damnation of unblievers? How does he deal with this issue? The purpose of this research is threefold: to clarify the manner in which talk of salvation in Christ alone' figures in contemporary sermons and may have to be re-evaluated, to contribute in a relevant way to the systematic-theological discussion on salvation, and to formulate the consequences for a homiletical approach to the theme of salvation/damnation. |
