How is Soteriology best defined?

Soteriology is best defined as the study of the doctrine of salvation. This field of theology explores how salvation is understood and what it entails, including the roles of faith, grace, the nature of sin, and the means through which salvation is obtained according to various theological traditions.

Understanding soteriology involves examining the beliefs regarding how individuals are reconciled with God, the implications of salvation for believers, and the theological frameworks that shape these beliefs. This makes it a central theme in Christian theology, particularly in discussions about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as the implications for humanity's relationship with the divine.

The other options focus on different areas of theological study that do not directly relate to salvation. For instance, the study of biblical interpretations is concerned with hermeneutics and exegesis rather than soteriology itself. Church history deals specifically with the historical development of the Christian church, while the study of moral ethics examines moral principles and their application to human behavior, both of which are crucial to theology but do not define soteriology.