Redemption
Origin
Middle English redempcioun (< MF redemption ) < LL redēmptiōn- (s. of redēmptiō ), equiv. to Latin redēmpt ( us ) (ptp. of redimere to redeem) + -iōn- -ion
Definitions
- 1.an act of redeeming or the state of being redeemed.
- 2.deliverance; rescue.
- 3.Theology . deliverance from sin; salvation.
- 4.atonement for guilt.
- 5.repurchase, as of something sold.
- 6.paying off, as of a mortgage, bond, or note.
- 7.recovery by payment, as of something pledged.
- 8.conversion of paper money into specie.
Description
Redemption is a religious concept referring to forgiveness or absolution for past sins and protection from eternal damnation, generally through sacrifice. Redemption is common in many world religions and all Abrahamic Religions, especially in Christianity and Islam (المغفرة).
In Christianity, redemption is synonymous with salvation. The Christian religion, though not the exclusive possessor of the idea of redemption, has given to it a special definiteness and a dominant position. Taken in its widest sense, as deliverance from dangers and ills in general, most religions teach some form of it. It assumes an important position, however, only when the ills in question form part of a great system against which human power is helpless.
