A Comparison between the concepts of redemption in Christianity and intercessionin Shia Islam

Faith and practice are most important factors for salvation in Islam and Christianity. More over the concepts of redemption in Christianity and the intercession in Shia have also been counted as elements of salvation. There are some similarities between them, which may be led to the misunderstanding that redemption and intercession are the same; whereas the definition and function of these two doctrines are different in the religious traditions of both religions. The doctrine of redemption is the essential part of Christian theology, especially in soteriology. If this doctrine is put under question, the whole structure of Christian theology will be disintegrated. But doctrine of intercession is complementary part in Shia. In this article at first, the doctrine of redemption is explained. Considering that the understanding of the concept of redemption is based on other doctrines, including anthropology, soteriology and Christology in Christian theology, at first the relationship between redemption and these concepts will be discussed. It will be declared that Christians believe that Adam's sin had grave consequences for humanity, in a way that it becomes the source of human sinfulness. In Christian point of view God was incarnated in Jesus and was crucified in order to be redemptive of Adam's sin and in order to save men. Everyone who believes in the death and resurrection of Jesus will be delivered. In the second part of the article, the question of intercession according to Shia will be discussed. It will be suggested that the nature of man is pure in Islam and man himself can reach salvation by faith and good practice. In addition, mercy of God and the intercession of Imams will help sinful persons. But in the third part of the article, some similarities and differences between these doctrines will be pointed out. I will insist mostly on their conceptual and functional differences. Their similarities include: Both doctrines need an intermediate; both of them are considered as act of God and are accomplished by permission of God; both of them are based on grace and mercy of God; both of them are ordained to save men; both of them prerequisite some conditions. The differences between these doctrines include: The doctrine of redemption in Christianity is the main factor for salvation and that is initiative act of God; but in the doctrine of intercession, man himself has the main role for salvation and intercession has a complementary role; redemption changes human nature, but according to Islam nature of human isnt sinful so that it require sanctification; redemption is almost related to Original sin and establishes reconciliation between God and man, but intercession is related to daily sins. Eventually redemption is the essential doctrine in Christianity, but intercession is the secondary doctrine in Shia. Indeed the story of Cross and redemption is the base of Christian theology and other issues are based on it. Consequently if the doctrine of redemption is put under question, the whole Christian theology will be disintegrated. However because there is religious Law in Shia, the concept of intercession has secondary aspect and if there are different views about intercession, it will not make any problem for other theological doctrines in Shia.