Redemption and the Redeemer

What is redemption? From what are we redeemed? How is Christ the Redeemer, especially of those who do not understand themselves in relation to Christianity? How do we make sense of Christian claims about the redemptive efficacy of his passion, cross, and resurrection? This course explores theological approaches to soteriology, that is, the meaning of redemption and the work of the Redeemer. Special attention is given to the way theories of redemption and claims about the Redeemer relate to diagnoses of the human condition and the problem to be remedied. We consider patristic, medieval, and contemporary approaches, including recent questions and critiques of traditional accounts. Methodology includes lectures, seminar discussion, readings, class presentations.