Frälsningen. En fråga om framtid

Abstract

The author argues that Aulén´s classic view of the atonement indeed can be a positive force in the contempo-rary struggle. While Aulén doesn´t seem to promote a qua homo perspective on the atonement, the author, in contrast, argues that this perspective is important. Without it man is left passive. If, instead of Jesus making an achievement on behalf of man, the latter is getting involved in the ultimate relation, put forward in the world by God himself, and through which perfect love defeats evil, then man can be seen as actively involved in a movement towards the good future promised by God. Relation as an ontological concept opens a way to go beyond Aulén´s dichotomy between God‟s sovereignty and human achievement. If the atonement is a matter of getting involved in the perfect relation, the sovereign action of God is preserved at the same time as man can be seen as taking on an active and cooperative role. This new direction makes Aulén´s classic view of the atonement a strong contribution to contemporary global and regional issues, in helping to find creative, new routes to a better tomorrow. Salvation is a matter of future!