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

In this paper, I discuss 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. In this section, I first briefly introduce and define exclusivism and inclusivism from a Christian perspective. Then, I critique the disconnect between the explicit Christian theological affirmations regarding the unique character of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and the emphasis on practical action and our life together for the sake of the common good—without theological reflection on how such deep relationality might impact our theological affirmations of Jesus’ identity as savior. Second, I argue that we can lean into the idea that there are “limits on our knowing,” such that we can celebrating being “undecided,” rather than “neutral.” Here I expand on this section of the declaration and argue that welcoming limits does not imply doing nothing, or simply resting in quiet agnosticism, but rather invites further exploration—not toward a decision, but toward deeper appreciation of differences and great insights about the other. Third, I argue we should explore with more boldness the opportunities for “mutual understanding,” with a disposition of theological openness to transformation. Here, I question the section on “Evangelism,” suggesting an expansion of that concept that includes listening and receiving wisdom and witness, as well as speaking and sharing it. Finally, I argue that we can and should adopt a posture of hopeful anticipation regarding salvation, following the affirmation of “grace without prerequisites” and the relational character of Lutheran theology.