From Sin to Salvation: The Ascent of the Soul

Exploring traditional concepts of sin and salvation, heaven and hell, Satan and evil, this remarkably accessible work focuses on how the soul can escape from sin and advance spiritually, even in the afterlife and even if one has lived a life of sin and unbelief. From Sin to Salvation: The Ascent of the Soul examines the Bahá'í views as expressed in the authoritative Bahá'í texts regarding the origin and nature of sin and evil and the power of the individual soul to recognize and combat these forces. In exploring these weighty concepts, author John S. Hatcher discusses what constitutes sin, analyzes how sinful acts affect our lives, both here and hereafter, and, most significantly, reviews what the Bahá'í writings say about the attainment of salvation, even for those who enter the next world without having exercised due diligence in monitoring their spiritual well-being. In addition to these broader theological and philosophical questions, Hatcher analyzes specific religious practices dealing with contrition, atonement, penance, and salvation. Briefly, From Sin to Salvation does not dwell too long in the realm of abstraction, but deals with very practical concerns, such as whether or not guilt is an unhealthy institutionalized invention--as many believe--or, instead, a valuable source of information whereby we can take charge of our spiritual progress through a systematic review of our actions in relation to our expectations. Perhaps most critically, Hatcher attempts to resolve the age-old dilemma as to whether "sinners" ultimately do more harm to themselves than they can ever inflict on others.