INTRODUCTION
That these two subjects should be linked together
for consideration here is justified both by religious tradi-
tion and a natural association of ideas. Each subject,
however, connotes, on analysis, distinctive evaluations
of man's situation in the universe which do not neces-
sarily involve mutual relationship. Thus, while sin de-
notes human offenses against divine law and the evil
consequences that stem from them, salvation may con-
cern divine deliverance from forms of evil, such as
volcanic eruption or flood, quite unconnected with
man's sin. The Litany of the Anglican Church, in the
Book of Common Prayer (1662), provides a convenient
example of this difference in the following petitions:
From fornication, and all other deadly sin... Good Lord,
deliver us: From lightning and tempest; from plague,
pestilence, and famine; from battle and murder, and from
sudden death, Good Lord, deliver us.
That the ideas of sin and salvation are traditionally
associated derives from a very ancient and widespread
belief in deities who govern the universe, and decree
laws designed to maintain a proper relationship be-
tween themselves and mankind, in order to preserve
both the cosmic order and the harmony of human
society. The forms in which this belief has found
expression in the course of history have been many
and various. They will be described here in chrono-
logical order (except Islam); and with comparative
reference so that their similarities and differences may
be appreciated. (Islamic ideas of sin and salvation are
treated after the section on Christianity, in order to
complete the survey of religions of Near Eastern origin
in this connection.) For, in a very true sense, the history
of man's conception of sin, and the ways in which he
has sought for salvation, reflect his interpretations of
the significance of human life and destiny.
