Dr. Brandon Peterson, a Cathedral of the Madeleine parishioner and assistant professor of religious studies at the University of Utah, has co-authored a new book exploring the theology of salvation. The book, titled Christ the Savior: Historical Models for an Ecumenical Future, was written alongside Robert A. Krieg, an emeritus professor of theology at the University of Notre Dame who served as Peterson’s dissertation director.
The authors utilize five different models to examine Jesus Christ as Savior, discussing each in a separate chapter. These models are based on the work of classic theologians Irenaeus of Lyons, Augustine of Hippo, Anselm of Canterbury, Peter Abelard, and John Calvin. The book incorporates modern Catholic and Protestant interpretations of each theologian, noting that while the faith traditions have significant differences, they also share common ground that can help prevent the excesses of one perspective through the lens of the other.
Peterson noted that because God is an inexhaustible treasure of meaning, the book concludes that the answer to the question of salvation should be viewed as a mosaic. Each chapter connects these theological models to concrete examples of Christian life. For example, the chapter regarding God’s Self-Gift of Agape references Sister Dorothy Mae Stang, a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur who was a missionary in Brazil. The book describes how Stang, who was murdered in 2005, radiated Christ as the Self-Gift of Agape through her service to others.
The text explores the concept of agape, or divine gift-love, through the lens of 12th-century theologian Peter Abelard, who wrote that Christ’s redeeming love provides true liberty. The book also connects these historical models to liturgical prayers, teachings, and texts used in both Catholic and Protestant traditions, such as the Apostles' Creed and the Exsultet.
Peterson is scheduled to present a talk titled "What is Redemption?" on Friday, Oct. 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the Cathedral of the Madeleine’s Scanlan Hall. The presentation is based on his book and is free and open to the public, with copies of the book available for sale.
