A Critical Examination of Soteriological Paradigms in Christianity and Islam: the Nigerian Experience

KIU Journal of Humanities

A Critical Examination of Soteriological Paradigms in Christianity and Islam: The Nigerian Experience

PETER O. O. OTTUH Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract. One of the core doctrines that are religious groups in Nigeria. The paper common to most religions of the world is concluded that even though the concept of soteriology (doctrine of salvation). It is an salvation is a very thorny issue in Christian- established fact that Christianity and Islam Muslim relations, Christians and Muslims are fundamentally and significantly distinct need to agree on the pluralism of salvation. from one another in several forms. These known distinctions have direct divergent Keywords: Soteriology; Paradigms; effects against one another. This is true of Christianity; Islam the principle of Non-contradiction which posits that the contrary of anything is 1. Introduction incapable of been true at the same time in its actual sense of it. Therefore, the dogmatic Most religions of the world are significantly and theological distinctions present in direct concerned with the doctrine of salvation contrast with Christianity and Islam cannot (soteriology) and they designate this be both true in the actual sense of it. Hence, doctrine by various concepts. World the focus of this research is limited to the religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, comparative analysis and evaluation of the Shintoism and Taoism for instance, see fundamental doctrine of salvation from the themselves each as a path to the Supreme Christian and Islamic paradigms. Employing God. Even within the Christian religion, the phenomenological and evaluative there are pluralities of opinions regarding approaches with support of several soteriology. For example, some secondary sources, the study practically fundamentalists are of the view that only reflected on the Nigeria situation to draw those who are „born again‟ and members of some inferences to authenticate its findings. their religious sects are qualified to be Findings revealed among others, that there is saved. While others within the Christian synthetic unity between Christian and group believe that only one hundred and Islamic soteriology; there is pluralism in the forty-four thousand people will be saved on notion of soteriology; and that the the last day (Ayandele, 1978). In this sense, discrepancies arising from the Christian and soteriology is a theological theme that has Muslim views on soteriology have caused stimulated both intra-religious and inter- breach of good relationship between the two religious controversies. Although there are

KIU Journal of Humanities three major religions in Nigeria namely: exclusivism; and foster a better workable Christianity, Islam and African Traditional cordial and healthier relationship between Religion (ATR), the latter is not aggressive the adherents of Christianity and Islam in and controversial like the others. The reason the present Nigerian society. is that African Traditional Religion does not absolutely claim religious truth as well as 2. General Concept of Soteriology lay monopolistic claim to salvation of God. African Traditional Religion teaches that Soteriology in the academic discipline of any human being can be saved provided theology and religious studies is conceived such a person lives a good moral life while by scholars in that field as a vital subject in on earth, regardless of the person‟s religious various religions and it is often studied affiliation. comparatively. This implies the contrasting divergent ideas regarding the meaning of It should be noted, that among all the salvation and the way it is acquired. religions in the world, only Christianity and However, the concept of Soteriology is a Islam claim to have absolute superiority and controversial one among religious groups. exclusive right of attaining God‟s salvation. Etymologically, the term, Soteriology is In making the claim to the monopoly of derived from two Greek words: soteria religious truth and salvation, they even meaning salvation and logos meaning words exclude each other. This observation agrees (Brown, 1969). The Greek soteria which has with that of Ayandele (1978) who rightly been translated as salvation also connote observed that: such words as deliverance; preservation; and safety (Brown, 1969). Technically speaking, Christians have been more guilty [guiltier] soteriology is a theological study of than Islam and African [Traditional] salvation of humankind in relation to the Religion (AFREL) by being the most Divine. The Advance Learners‟ Dictionary articulated in denigrating the others, of Current English defines salvation as “the adopting a negative and therefore act of saving, the state of having been saved, unrewarding attitudes towards the other from sin and its consequences” (Hornby, religious communities, religions they little 2007 p.767). This implies that before a understand unto the present day (p.588). person can be delivered or saved, it is assumed that such person is in bondage, The implication of such claims of either in the hands of enemies or at the superiority to and monopoly of salvation, mercy of someone or something that is more often than not, had led to fanaticism, stronger than him/her. intolerance, exclusivism, hot debate, ill- Most major religions provide paths that feeling, open confrontation and fatal strain deliver individuals from the bondage of sin, in Christian-Muslim relations around the immorality, ignorance, and other types of globe and Nigeria in particular. impurity or disharmony and lead them It is therefore, the objective of this paper to toward a state of purity of soul, spiritual critically examine the Christian and Muslim knowledge, wisdom, godliness, paradigms regarding the religious doctrine enlightenment, or even eternal life of salvation. It is also the utmost aim of this (salvation). paper to use its findings to promote understanding of the concept in order to Most religions typically believe that human reduce religious particularism and beings have a higher nature that exists in

KIU Journal of Humanities tension with a lower nature; hence these other hand, varying importance is accorded religions provide ways to redeem human by various religions to religious virtues like beings from such lower state. In doing this, compassion, love, wisdom, self-control, some religions emphasize the separation of gentleness, and faithfulness. All these the spiritual part of the self from worldly virtues are believed to be prelude to attachments, while others emphasize living salvation in the afterlife. harmoniously in relation to nature, self, and divinity. Even within a single religious 3. Predestination and Salvation: An tradition there may be different versions of Overview this process. According to the Encarta Dictionary, Salvation is the notion of being saved as predestination is an advance decision by described in various religions. In God about events. It is the religious doctrine Christianity, individuals are thought of as which posits that God or a deity, or fate has being saved from eternal punishment established in advance everything that is through Christ‟s death on the cross. In going to happen and that nothing can change Buddhism, especially in Chinese and it. In other words, predestination is a Japanese Buddhism, people can be saved supposedly divine act of foreordaining the (attainment of moksha) from the endless fate of people or things beforehand. cycle of rebirth (samsara) through Theologically, the Christian‟s teaching that bodhisattva (one who is destined for, or postulate that some humans are whose essence is, enlightenment) or through predetermined for eternal destiny by God is Amida Buddha (faith and love in Buddha). termed predestination. In this sense, the idea In Hinduism, especially in the bhakti of predestination is not the same as the tradition, devotion to a god can bring denial of human free will. Predestination is salvation from the endless cycle of rebirth of two kinds namely: single and dual and is open to those who have realized their predestination. true nature as Brahman (Supreme Being) (Microsoft® Encarta® 2009, 2008). Single predestination is predicated on the human experience of God‟s presence There are two related ways through which including His grace and love; and the religions develop their ideas about salvation. understanding He does all these out of His First, a saved individual may implies a free grace (Graves, 2011). Mono- person who has been liberated from the predestination simply implies that this physical world of Matter and afterward eternal gift of God which is rooted in His assume a state of eternal bliss with God or eternal decree from the beginning of the have attained the upper most state of earth is freely willed by God Himself consciousness (Paden, 2007). Second, a without being merited by any human being. saved person may implies anyone with the Biblically, this point of view can be found in embodiment of pureness or holiness who Romans chapter 8 and chapter one of still physically exists in the world. Although, Ephesians. Paul‟s letter to the Romans monasticism is evident in some religious reads: groups like Buddhism and classical Christianity, yet it is not evident in other For those whom he foreknew he also religions such as Islam and Judaism, and predestined to be conformed to the image of some other forms of Protestantism. On the his Son. ... And those whom he predestined

KIU Journal of Humanities he also called; and those whom he called he predestination are the Liberal Protestant also justified; and those whom he justified theologians including Karl Barth, who he also glorified (Romans 8:29-30) (RSV). claimed that the will of God is manifested in The above Bible passages simply indicate the personhood of Jesus Christ. For this the notion of single predestination, which reason, they argue that all humans are means predestination to life from God‟s elected through Jesus Christ. Conceiving the eternal decree. concept of predestination in this perspective implies a Universalist paradigm which On the other hand, dual predestination draws means that human beings are promised its meaning from mono- predestination. salvation by the cheer grace of God. Dual predestination implies that while some persons are decreed eternally to enjoy God‟s 4. Christian Soteriological Paradigm presence, others are eternally alienated from His presence through His eternal decree. Salvation in Christianity implies the saving This also implies that whereas, salvation is of the human soul from the consequences of predestined for some persons, it also follows sin (moral evil). It is the redemption from that at the same time, some persons are sin and its aftermath results (Graves, 2011). predestined to damnation and destruction by From the biblical point of view, sin is the His eternal decree. St. Augustine was the greatest enemy of humankind. Hence, first Christian proponent of dual salvation from this point of view is predestination in the fifth century. John considered as deliverance from sin Calvin, a French reformer was also a known (Stevenson, 1957; Bowden, 2005). This proponent of dual predestination. According soteriological concept is one of the to Calvin (n.d): fundamental articles of faith in the creed of We call predestination God's eternal decree, Christianity. The Christians believe in the by which he determined within himself what idea of the „Original Sin‟ (sin inherited from he willed to become of each man. For all are the fall of Adam and Eve) and in the not created in equal condition; rather, eternal consequent drama of redemption. In fact, the life is foreordained for some, eternal whole concept of salvation in Christian damnation for others (p.5). theological discourse has been succinctly summed up by Gaudeul (1977) who says: The above claim, in the post Augustinian period was refuted by Catholic theologians The word „salvation‟ implies the whole who insisted that God only predestined some drama of sin, its consequence in terms of persons to eternal bliss and not eternal man‟s alienation and disintegration both as damnation. These Catholic theologians also an individual and as a social being, and insisted that suffering from eternal God‟s intervention to give back to man his damnation is as a result of their personal free full dignity, a salvation that is described as will or moral choices. This view is contrary transformation of a new creation, that is at to that of Arminianism founded in the the present in its incipient stages of seventeenth century by Arminius, a Dutch development and will be completed on the Protestant theologian (Price, 2008). Last Day (p.1 cf. Smith, 2006). Arminianism as a movement deemphasizes From Christian view point, salvation is Calvin‟s dualistic predestination by made possible by the atonement of Jesus condemning the injustice of God. Among Christ. Salvation in this context is conceived those who reject single or dual to include exclusive salvation and universal

KIU Journal of Humanities reconciliation (Parry, 2004). While some of (iii) “He who believes in the Son has the differences are as widespread as eternal life; he who does not Christianity itself, the overwhelming obey the son shall not see life but majority agrees that salvation is made the wrath of God rest upon him” possible only by the work of God‟s son, (Jn. 3:36). Jesus Christ who died on the cross and (iv) “He who believes and is baptized resurrected from the dead. Hence, to the will be saved; but he who does Christians, salvation comes as a result of not believe will be condemned” divine initiative to rescue human beings (Mk. 16:16) (Mala, 1985). from sin and by this; such persons partake in the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Kateregga Based on the above teachings, any person and Shenk, 1980). However, this kind of who does not accept Jesus as Lord and conception regarding salvation does not Saviour will enter into eternal hell fire exist in Islam. where the wrath of God abides for eternity. In other words, the conversion to faith in The disciples of Jesus Christ started Christ is the only answer to salvation. preaching the Gospel of salvation after Christ‟s resurrection. Specifically, the The Christian position during the period of Christian Church was not born until that the church Fathers was more compromising Pentecost Sunday in AD 3011 (see Acts 2). than the period of the Apostles. Although At this formative stage, the apostles Islam did not emerge until the seventh concerned themselves mainly with teaching century A.D., the Christian tradition before of members of the infant church and then had maintained a negative attitude explaining the resurrection of Jesus to towards other religions. This general others, all in Jerusalem alone. But due to negative attitude was expressed in the persecution and the delay of the Parousia famous Christian axiom: “Extra ecclesiam (Jesus‟ second advent) which they nulla salus” (Outside the Church, there is no erroneously thought would be immediate, Salvation) (Alatas, 2006 p.68 cf. 1957). It is the apostles move outward to other parts of pertinent to point out here, that this axiom the Roman Empire and then to other parts of was not in the original dogma of the early the world. As the church rapidly expanded, Christians. It only came into it during the its position on salvation was based on many Patristic period. However, from the axiom biblical passages on which the Christians emanated various formulations at different claimed uniqueness for Christ and stages of the development of the Christian Christianity as the sole way to God and the Church. A few examples of such sole truth. Some of such biblical passages formulation will throw more light on the are: patristic position. (i) “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father Origen (185-254), for example, was one of but by me” (Jn. 14:6). the early Church leaders. He is reported to (ii) “For God so loved the world that have declared: “Let no one persuade or he gave His only begotten Son, deceive himself: outside this house that is that whosoever believes in him outside this church no one will be saved” should not perish but have (cited in Onaiyekan, 1978 p.171). Also, eternal life” (Jn. 3:16). Cyprian (c. 200-258), the Bishop of Carthage, in about 249 A.D. declared the

KIU Journal of Humanities same doctrine for those who were not in the different line of approach in the same church. He declared that, “God is not his scriptures as we shall see latter in this paper. Father if the church is not his mother” (cited in Onaiyekan, 1978 p.172). He went further 5. Islamic Soteriological Paradigm to illustrate his point with Noah‟s ark that if anyone outside Noah‟s ark had been able to The notion of soteriology in Islam is escape, then so might a person outside the anchored on human repentance from moral church (Onaiyekan, 1978). Furthermore, he evils in order for him/her to enjoy a state of took a hardline on lapsed Christians and on bliss in the afterlife. In this sense, such the baptism of heretics outside the church. notion is compatible with the view that He insisted on their re-baptism because every human being is accountable to his/her according to him: “…there is one baptism… deeds. Muslims do not subscribe to the this one baptism is, without any doubt, in the belief of „Original sin‟ like the Christians do Catholic Church because the church is one (McIntyre, 1992; Smith, 2006; Lewis, and and baptism cannot be out of the church” Churchill, 2009). Muslims see God (Allah) (Stevenson, 1957 p.657). Another Christian as just and fair, hence their idea of salvation writer who wrote on the issue was also subscribes to the doctrine of Fulgentius (468-553), a disciple of St. predestination. Augustine. However, his position was sanctioned by the Decree of the Council of However, there is a tradition in Islam that Florence which says: says many human beings will suffer Of this, you can be certain and convinced eternally in hell fire after death and that only beyond any doubt: no one remaining outside few persons will enjoy eternity in paradise the Catholic church, not just pagan but also (McIntyre, 1992). This notion implies the Jew or heretics or schemers can become doctrine of predestination. Unlike partakers of eternal life, but they will go into Christianity, there is nothing like the the everlasting fire which has been prepared phenomenon of redemption in Islam, this is for the devil and his angels unless before the because in Islam, there is no state of fallen end of life they are joined to the church nature or original sin. The transformation (cited in Densinger, 1955 p.165). believed to be attained by a converted person in sharing in the resurrection of Jesus One can now see clearly the attitude of Christ is also alien to Islam (Accad, 2003). negative position against the non-Christian Islam considers that human being has religions. nothing to be saved from. Rather, human As noted earlier, this uncompromising being only needs divine instruction and stance is undoubtedly motivated by the direction because each person is believed to various biblical passages and axioms which be born in a state of original justice. the early Christians strictly adhered to. It is relevant to point out here however, that at In another sense, there is a certain notion of times, many people tend to go off with one- salvation in Islam that is not a divine sided interpretation (or even absolute initiative to rescue a person from him/herself misinterpretation) of certain sections of their and from his/her sins, but as a human religious texts. This action has, in most endeavour to escape from God‟s anger and cases, let them to take to negative attitude punishment which threaten all evil doers. towards other religions. Such people tend to Such escape is only possible through faith- overlook other passages that indicate a filled worship of One God and the

KIU Journal of Humanities confession of His uniqueness. In order to During the medieval period, the question avoid God‟s anger and punishment, Muslims whether non-Christians, including Muslims, believe that a person must strive hard to would receive salvation or not gradually please God through worthy living including developed a trend towards tolerance and the strict observance of the five prescribed positive evaluation. Some Christian rituals of Islam. These five pillars of Islamic theologians and scholars started to realize faith are: the narrowness of this view of the Christians - Faith profession (Al-Shahadah); during the formative period of Christianity. - Five daily prayers (Al-Salat); St. Augustine was one of those who - Fast in the month of Ramadan (also propounded doctrines of the church in the called Al-Sawm); middle ages. In his book, Vera Religione - Compulsory contribution of poor due (On True Religion), written in his early life, (Al-Zakat); and argued that the true religion was the - Holy Pilgrimage to Mecca (Al-Hajj) Christian one, to know and to follow it was (Anees, 2006). the only way to salvation (Augustine, 1969; It is believed among Muslims that the strict Brueggemann, 2002). However, in his later compliance to the above Islamic rituals one book, Retractignes, written in his old age, he will be vindicated on the Day of Judgment. found his earlier view about salvation very parochial as he had been misinterpreted. 6. An Evaluation: Towards a This is because; he realized that the worship Reconciliation of the Two of God had been in existence even long Paradigms before Christianity. Since then, many scholars and theologians started to condemn The uncompromising attitude of the officially any exaggerated interpretation of Christians to non-Christian religions the principle contained in the axiom, “Extra continued when Islam emerged in the ecclesiam nulla salus.” For instance, seventh century. While Prophet Muhammad Cyprian earlier referred to in this paper, was initially saw Islam as complementary to repudiated for denying the heretics of the Christianity, to the Christians, the difference validity of the baptism administered outside between Christianity and Islam was the the Catholic Church. Also, Pope Boniface difference between light and darkness VIII (1294-1303) in his famous Papal Bull, (Parry, 2004 cf. Boar, 1969). This gulf of “Unarn Sanctam” said, “We declare, affirm, difference was motivated by the Christians‟ define and pronounce that every creature be conviction that the conversion to faith in subject to the Ronan Pontif” (Halley, 1965 Jesus Christ was the only answer to p.321; cf. Akin, 2001). Even though he was salvation. The sum totals of all these are that not repudiated for this pronouncement his the popular view, and of course the only uncompromising position was not upheld by view, among the early Christians was that later Popes and the idea was allowed to die a salvation was only for the Christians and natural death. Hence, the negative attitude of nobody else. However, the question of the the Christian theologians started to assume a possibility of salvation for non-Christians positive trend. In fact, the most balanced during the medieval period was not exactly view of medieval Christian theology was the same as in the early period of that of Thomas Aquinas (c.1274) (cited in Christianity. Levering, 2011). In his Summa Theologiae, Aquinas was of the view that apart from Christians there is also salvation for non-

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Christians, if the Christian message was not that: “In our days, this religion is the heard or understood. Such positive position Christian one; not because it did not exist taken by some theologians and scholars before but because it was given this name served as the foundation on which the afterwards” Piet, 1969 p.147). Also, the modern views on salvation were built. But famous church historian, Eusebius of this does not mean that the position was Caesarea, rightly asserted that the true popular. Hence, there are two categories of religion has been followed, centuries before theologians among the medieval Christians, Christianity by Abraham, Moses and later namely, those who still held the intransigent prophets and that the religion of the position and those who held the positive and patriarchs was identical with that of the liberal views on salvation of non-Christians. Christians. However, there are fundamentalists who still hold the ancient view of “Outside the In similar vein, the Muslims do not believe Church, no Salvation” (Esposito, 2002b p.77 that Islam started with Prophet Muhammad. cf. Olsen, 2000). That notwithstanding, there They believe that Islam has been founded by have emerged many theologians and Allah (God) Himself and that it was the scholars who continue to argue that the monotheistic religion of Adam, Noah, honest seekers of God (Christians and non- Abraham, Moses and many others who Christians) are on the way to salvation. An came before Prophet Muhammad and were examination of the views of some of these referred to as Muslims because they liberation theologians clearly shows the submitted themselves totally to the will of trend in the modern times. The late J. God. Hence, both Christianity and Islam Danielou, a Cardinal and a French Jesuit have traced the „true religion‟ to the same theologian held the same view with Rossano source. The import of this „true religion‟ is that religions are natural expressions of the that all the good people outside the Christian religious genius of peoples and that every church will definitely not be sent to hell-fire. religion has its own good and bad elements. Those in this category are the people Rahner Hence, the good elements in the non- (1966) called “anonymous Christians” Christian religions, which have been (pp.115-134). This is a term which some described as „seeds‟, „first germs‟, „rays of scholars are now contesting. However, the light of Christ‟ are terms of an evolutionary theological foundation of this assertion can plan of salvation (Onaiyekan, 1978). be summarized as follows: Therefore, the salvation of non-Christians is God wants salvation for all men. left as a mystery of God‟s mercy and power. Christianity which considers itself as A variation of this current view is found absolute is nevertheless historical and among those who suggest that the name reaches individuals and people gradually. „Christian‟ could be used, in a more Meanwhile, God‟s universal will to save qualified sense, of good people outside the cannot be frustrated the non-Christians must church. somehow find a saving relationship with Historically, the word „Christian‟ was first God through implicit faith in Christ (Rahner, used in Antioch long after Jesus Christ was 1966 p.134). crucified (Acts 11:26). As Piet (1969) observed, the „real‟ religion which is now In other words, while Rahner took called the Christian religion existed from the cognizance of the necessity of the Christian ancient time. Hence, he quoted St. faith in salvation (see Mk. 16:16), he also Augustine‟s “On True Religion” which says

KIU Journal of Humanities realized God‟s universal salvific will for all It goes further to summarize the core aspect humankind (see 1Tim. 2:4). of Islam which a Christian can honestly From the above, it is now clear that the admire: modern trend is that non-Christians …they revere Jesus as a prophet, his mother including Muslims can also receive they honour. . . they await the day of salvation without necessarily becoming judgment and the reward of God following Christians, if they do not have that the resurrection of the dead. For these opportunity to do so or do not want to do so. reasons, they highly esteem in upright life However, all these views were personal and and worship God, especially by way of no official pronouncement was made, as far prayer, alms deeds and fasting (see Pope as non-Christians are concerned until the John Paul II, 1982 p.26). Vatican Council II in 1962 and 1965. The Council made some declarations This Catholic evaluation of Islam was the concerning non-Christians, especially the first official declaration of the stand of the Muslims. The first one was Lumen Gentium church on the possibility of Salvation for - a dogmatic constitution of the church. In non-Christians. Although, to the best of the this document, the boundaries of the church researcher‟s knowledge, other Christian as “people of God” were extended to include denominations have not come out with any all human beings of good will and sincere categorical statement about this, it is hearts. Paragraph 16 of the document is believed that there are liberal Christians in illuminating in this regard. It says: some Christian denominations who are also convinced that not all non-Christians will be The plan of salvation also includes those victims of eternal hell fire. who knowledge the creator, in the first place amongst, whom are the Muslims: these So far, we have seen the trends in the profess to hold the faith of Abraham and debates concerning the possibility of together with us they adore the one merciful salvation for non-Christians, especially God, mankind‟s judge on the last Day (see Muslims, at the different stages of Abbot, 1966 p.35). development of Christianity. While some The second declaration represents both in conservative theologians and scholars and tone and context, a decisive and even more fundamentalists still hold the intransigent unique advance in the way the church looks view of “Extra ecciesiam nulla salus” (No at religion when it says among other things: salvation outside the Church), the liberal The Church has also a high regard for the ones, including the Roman Catholic Church, Muslims. They worship God who is one, give allowance for the salvation of non- living and subsistent, merciful and almighty, Christians. But before I state my own the creator of heaven and earth who has position on this based on the foregoing spoken to all men. They strive to submit discussions, five categories of people have themselves without reserve to the hidden been identified as people for salvation. decree of God. Just as Abraham submitted himself to God’s plan, to whose faith In the first category are some Christians who Muslims are eagerly link their own (The are truly doing the will of God. According to Vatican Council I1, n.d p.660). Jesus himself, it is not everyone that says, “Lord, Lord” will enter the Kingdom of God but only those who do the will of God” (Matt. 7:21). The implication of this

KIU Journal of Humanities declaration is that not even all the Christians cannot be blamed for not accepting what he will be saved. In the second category are did not understand. Perhaps, that was why those who are good in their own religions. Jesus commissioned his disciples to go and These are those who are honestly seeking teach all nations (Matt. 28: 19-20). The last God. All religions of the world teach love, category includes those who are saved by peace, and justice and good neighbourliness. the prerogative of mercy of God. In fact, Hence, at this individual level, God‟s salvation belongs to God and by His special judgment is based on how well one has lived grace some people may be granted salvation concerning his/her religious moral virtues, (see Amos 9: 7-8). Candidly, human beings just like the African Traditional Religion‟s cannot comprehend the mystery and power position on salvation. Therefore, if an of God to save since God‟s ways are adherent of any religion in addition to the different from human ways of reasoning and fundamental love of God and love of ones acting (Isa. 55:18). neighbour (Mk. 12: 30-3 1) excels in good works, such an adherent will receive However, in spite of the differences in salvation (see Matt. 22:37-39; also see understanding the concept of salvation, both Qur‟an):26-27). Christianity and Islam still have a common- ground concerning it. Both religions believe In the third category are those who did not in the Judgment Day (or Last Day) of God hear the message of Christ at all. As noted when the righteous will be rewarded with above, there were millions of people who heaven (Paradise), a place of bliss, while the lived and died before Christ was born. Even sinners will be condemned to Hell fire, a during Jesus‟ time, many did not know place of suffering and gnashing of teeth anything about Him and even today, many forever (see Matthew 13:42; Quran 10: 26- are dying daily without hearing anything 27 and Quran 78: 21-25) (Park, 2013). about the message of Christ. Such people Therefore, for the purpose of this paper, one could not believe in him or have never heard can harmonize the different views of of Him (Rom. 10:14). Notably, all these Christianity and Islam about salvation as an categories of people may not be judged with escape from hell fire punishment and the Christian standard (Rom. 10: ll-5l). admittance into heaven (paradise) on the day The fourth category comprises those who of final judgment. With this working heard but did not understand the message. clarification, which is presumably The message of Christ needs correct acceptable to both religions, one should now interpretation to enhance understanding. proceed to conclude that both religions can This cannot be effectively done without now appreciate each other. This appreciation good explanation of the new doctrine to the of each other‟s religion will enhance cordial new hearers. For instance, Jesus‟ message to relationship between the adherents of Nicodemus was that before a man could Christianity and Islam. enter the kingdom of God, he must be born Undoubtedly, the issue of salvation is a very again. This „born again‟ message was so thorny one in Christian-Muslim relations in strange to Nicodemus that he became Nigeria. But the foregoing has clearly shown confused until Jesus himself explained the that salvation is not, and cannot, be a message to him (Jn. 3:1-8). Similarly, if monopoly of any particular religion. anyone hears the message but does not Previous attempts to do so have been understand it and yet there is no explanation regarded as fundamentalism and fanaticism or guidance from anywhere, such a person which Bala (1985) describes as “a naughty

KIU Journal of Humanities child of a difficult mother‟s religion” is the God of all religions and the various (p.113). From the Nigerian experience, religions are the established paths or ways to fanaticism has led to hatred, chaos and loss reach Him. It may not matter the particular of human lives including properties. After way you follow to reach Him, what matters, all, one cannot sincerely love God who is is practically demonstrating His will. This is not seen if one cannot love his/her the only way all humans can appreciate one neighbours who can be seen. another‟s religion and point of views concerning salvation. There is the need therefore, to agree that there is pluralism in the ways of salvation. References As Alli (1968) succinctly puts it that: God is one; all justice is of one stand. But Abbot, W.M. (1966). The Church (Lumen we see Truth from different perspectives of Gentium), No. 16. New York: American the scales of phenomenal diversity that is in Press our eyes. As soon as those scales fall from Accad, M. (2003). The Gospels in the Muslim our eyes, the true Reality will emerge Discourse of the Ninth to the Fourteenth Centuries: An Exegetical Inventorial (p.634). Table (Part I). Islam and Christian- Muslim Relations, 14 (1), 44-67 In this sense, the attainment of salvation Akin, J. (2001). The Salvation Controversy. San therefore, is embodied in the natural Diego, Calif.: Catholic Answers consequences of a person‟s approach to life Alli, Y. (1968). The Holy Ouran: Texts, exemplified in self-actualization and Translations and Commentary. Beirut: purification which are as a result of reward Dar al-Arabia and punishment. Anees, M.A. (2006). Salvation: An Islamic Perspective. Retrieved May 23, 2018 7. Conclusion from:http://www.milligazette.com/daily update/2006islamreligion/theology.htm Alatas, S.F. (2006). From Jami'ah to University: From our arguments so far, I have Multiculturalism and Christian–Muslim established that some of those who have Dialogue. Current Sociology. 54 (1), faith in Christ will be saved; and some non- 112–32 Christians, including Muslims, will also Ayandele. E. A. (1978). Address. In Edward obtain salvation. However, it must be Fashole-Luke, et al (Eds.), Christianity emphasized that whosoever will be saved, in Independence Africa. Ibadan: Christian or Muslim, must submit University Press him/herself to the will of God and Bowden, J. (Ed.). (2005). Encyclopedia of demonstrate practically love for his/her Christianity (1st ed.). London: Oxford neighbours, the evidence of which should be University Press good works. The result of understanding and Brown, et al (Eds.). Jerome Bible Commentary. London: Geoffrey Chapman appreciating the above facts will go a long Brueggemann, W. (30 September, way in installing and promoting good 2002). Salvation. Reverberations of relationship, tolerance, peaceful coexistence Faith: A Theological Handbook of the and harmony between Christians and Old Testament Themes. Muslims in Nigeria. I have earlier advocated Louisville: Westminister John Knox and recommended this in my previous work Press (Ottuh, Ottuh and Aitufe, 2014). What every Calvin,J. (n.d). Institutes 3. 21. 5 religious adherent should realize is that God

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