Luke's soteriology: a dynamic event in motion

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to probe the nature of Luke's soteriology by focusing on Luke’s geographical (spatial-temporal) perspective within which the narrative world of Luke-Acts moves. In this thesis, by presenting space-time as intertwined aspects of the same event or reality, I have proposed that we rethink Luke's space-time as a dynamic event in motion. Within this framework, I have proposed that Luke's notion of salvation should be understood not as a static system for containing motion or a fixed framework for defining action, but as a dynamic event in motion, becoming, and flowing, which creates a new salvific space-time (i.e. the kingdom of God) in-between, among, around, and beyond regions and persons. Thus, 1 have proposed that we think of salvation in terms of the nomadic movements of flows that unfold the multiple layers (multiplicity) of release from various fabrics of captivity and oppression - i.e., release from sins and various forms of physical-spiritual sicknesses, stigmas, and debts. Thus we should rethink salvation in the following ways. (1) Not in terms of a dichotomy between physical and spiritual, but as both physical spiritual: both conditions applying to the same saving event. (2) Not as hierarchical or singular, but as heterogeneous and multiple. (3) Not as static moments, but as something flowing, being-toward, and in motion, showing that salvation and its nomadic event of flows is pictured as being in a constant state of movement, signifying an endless qualitative change in type and kind. This means salvation is a nomadic event of release and deterritorialization from one sphere to another. It deterritorializes the fixed, binary, and hierarchical system of the Jerusalem temple, creates the heterogeneous and relational space of God, and establishes multiple access points to the dynamic network (the kingdom) of God.