The Lion Has Conquered: An Introduction to Catholic Soteriology
Reviewed by Dr. Matthew T. Vander Vennet, Donnelly College
Daniel Robert Waldow, The Lion Has Conquered: An Introduction to Catholic Soteriology. Os Justi, 2026. Pp. 219. ISBN: 9781965303740.
Most people, unfortunately, probably have not heard the term “soteriology.” Even if they have heard the term, they likely would not be able to accurately or precisely define it or what it means. In what will prove to be a classic, Dr. Daniel Waldow of St. Francis University seeks to fill that gap in knowledge and understanding in his book The Lion Has Conquered: An Introduction to Catholic Soteriology just released by Os Justi Press.
The work takes as foundational both Scripture and Tradition. Waldow states that his book “only requires that readers have a very basic knowledge of Christianity and Catholicism but it aims to lead them promptly from fundamental topics into and exploration of more advanced concepts within the Bible and Magisterial teaching” (xiv). As any outstanding teacher does, Waldow organizes his work in a way that allows for the greatest possible understanding, leaving nothing assumed.
The question must be asked: what is “soteriology?” Waldow wastes no time in defining the term in the very preface of the book wherein he states, “The word is derived from two Greek words, soter (σωτήρ) and logos (λόγος), meaning, ‘savior’ and ‘word/reasoning,’ respectively. Hence, ‘soteriology’ literally means reasoning and speaking about the savior and the salvation that he brings” (xiii). This definition is the thread on which the entirety of the book is woven. The book then proceeds to address the questions of soteriology from a variety of perspectives starting with biblical soteriology and ending with a discussion of various Catholic Eucharistic liturgies. This organizational structure is one of the book’s best aspects.
From the start, Waldow skillfully and deliberately guides the reader from the very foundations of Catholic soteriology. His introductory material lists and elucidates the main principles and themes of soteriology. In what becomes characteristic throughout the work, Waldow breaks down, into various sections and sub-sections, the many soteriological topics he wishes to explain and clarify. All of it can be encompassed by the two questions: 1) What does God save us from; and 2) How does God do so? Waldow spends the rest of the work seeking to answer these questions.
Part I of the book emphasizes Scripture and how it supplies the foundational material in any discussion of the saving being and work of God. Both the Old and New Testaments provide the theological material for consideration and proper exegesis by the Magisterium. As is right and just, Waldow begins in Genesis and draws out the notion of atoning sacrifice (both ritual and moral) in relation to sin. After discussing the primordial sacrifices, he then proceeds to look at the organic development of these sacrifices throughout the rest of the pertinent sections of the Old Testament, all with an eye toward their fulfillment at the coming of the Messiah.
Waldow then proceeds to look at the being, life, and public ministry of Christ, unpacking how each of those aspects of the Savior are key to understanding Catholic soteriology. Every facet of Christ’s life, including his name, was salvific and contributed to the redemption and salvation of the human race. His Passion, discussed at length in its own chapter, was the culmination of all of God’s preparation for the salvation of man in the most perfect and sublime way.
Part II of the book shifts to focusing on soteriological dogmatic theology primarily expounding and explaining Magisterial teaching on the subject as explained by the Council of Trent and the modern Catechism of the Catholic Church. The graces offered by Christ via the Church in the sacraments allow sinners to participate in Christ’s salvific work allowing “those who dwell in Christ [a] share in the eternal life which he possesses” (121).
The culmination of the book rests in the final chapters on “The Sacrifice of the Cross and the Altar” and “Soteriology and the Liturgy of the Eucharist” in which Waldow applies what has been learned from the previous parts and chapters to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass/Divine Liturgy to “focus upon the sacrificial and life-giving nature of the Eucharist” (123). Not only does he provide insight on the teachings of Trent and some recent holy pontiffs, but he also leads an excursus through the various Eucharistic rites of the Church to show forth and “explore the rich soteriological content of these Eucharistic liturgies” (151). The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith and the re-presentation of the life-giving and saving sacrifice of Jesus Christ any time it is enacted. According to Waldow, the Eucharistic liturgies answer and give a concrete form to the questions of “What does Jesus save us from” and “how does he do so?” These Eucharistic liturgies allow human beings to come in contact with the God-Man who saves them in a most intimate way so that they are now “living sacrifices which are offered as gifts to the Father upon his altar in his sanctuary of heaven: through, with, and in Christ...[in order to] now enjoy the sanctifying presence of the divine glory” (180).
To cohesively draw his book to a close, Waldow offers a final synthesis and conclusion. This serves as a thorough recapitulation to all that has been discussed. Armed with the answers to 1) What does God save us from; and 2) How does God do so?, the reader can contemplate and consider more fully what it means to be saved.
While subtitled an “introduction,” this work can also be a good resource and quick reference guide for readers more familiar with the topic. As other reviewers have noted, the comprehension questions at the end of each chapter are an excellent feature which allows for greater grasp of the concepts. To that end, a helpful list of recommendations for further study is also provided at the very end of the work. This book is by far the best introduction that I have read regarding Catholic soteriology and is highly recommended. Both Dr. Daniel Waldow and Os Justi Press have done a great service in providing this resource to the world.