The Lucan doublets : gender equality or holistic salvation?

Abstract

"God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." (Gn1 ,27) This essay will examine the meaning of salvation in general and salvation in Luke, which is focused on Jesus Christ, the saviour of mankind. The wider meaning of salvation includes the fact the salvation requires faith, forgiveness and love on the part of the receiver. Salvation is for everyone, the 'lost', the rich and the poor in fact all men and women. After the theme of salvation, the theme of universalism is considered. Salvation is universal. Luke uses 'doublets' to show universal salvation of men and women. Luke's usage of this method is not a demonstration of gender issues but a manifestation of universalism as willed by God in Gn 1, 27. The universality is also racial. This universal salvation is shown in Jesus' miracles and parables which call different persons to repent and to forgive along side their physical healing. Thereby these people effected by Jesus' actions and words become whole as God originally created them. Examining 'the Lucan Doublets' will show a deeper meaning than equality between male and female.