Konsolamentum allena! Jesu Kristi frälsningsverk enligt katarismen

In this study, I have examined the Cathars’ understanding of salvation, and in particular the role that Jesus has in their idea of salvation. I do this by analysing Cathar sources from the 12th and 13th centuries to which I apply a hermeneutical theory and method. Throughout my analysis I examined the source material individually and identified salvation themes that previous scholars have identified and also new ones. The discussion showed that the goal of Cathar salvation is to return to heaven, the original state of being, in which they were angels. This is made possible through the teachings of Jesus in the gospels, teachings regarding what is right and wrong, good and evil. Jesus also instituted the only way in which a Cathar can receive salvation, that is through their baptismal rite of consolamentum. Jesus makes this salvation possible because, while he was dead and awaited his resurrection, he defeated the devil and death itself. He stripped them of their power, and made it possible for the fallen angels that had joined the devil’s revolt against God to return to heaven, in which they once again are clad in their heavenly garments, crowns and thrones. The conclusion that I make in this study is that the role that Jesus has in Cathar salvation is vital, by imparting knowledge of what is good, by instituting consolamentum, and by conquering death. Previous research has merely pinpointed that Jesus brings salvation to Cathars’ but not in which way he does it, which I do in this thesis.