Attached Paper Annual Meeting 2024

“Beyond Neutrality: A Lutheran Understanding of Salvation in an Inter-Religious Context”

Abstract for Online Program Book (maximum 150 words)

his paper discusses a Lutheran articulation of salvation in the context of interreligious engagement, and “beyond Lutheran theological neutrality regarding those who are non-religious.” Using the ELCA document, “Declaration of Interreligious Commitment” as a foundation, I make four points. First, the document does not offer much guidance as we seek to move beyond the “exclusive/inclusive” binary when it comes to theological articulation of the salvation of those who are not Christian. Second, we can lean into the idea that there are “limits on our knowing,” such that we can celebrating being “undecided,” rather than “neutral.” Third, we should explore with more boldness the opportunities for “mutual understanding,” with a disposition of theological openness to transformation. Finally, we can adopt a posture of hopeful anticipation regarding salvation, following the affirmation of “grace without prerequisites” and the relational character of Lutheran theology.