Risto Saarinen

An Introduction to Ecclesiology

Theology

“An ecumenical ecclesiology needs to strike a balance between institutional stability and spiritual freedom as well as between apostolic legacy and prophetic orientation. Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen offers a reliable and balanced introduction to the different profiles of the one and holy Christian church. He also leads the reader to recognize the distinctive identity of the church within the variety of global religious communities.”

Apostolic and Prophetic

Theology

“Gesa Thiessen discusses a broad range of current ecumenical issues in a manner that is both theoretically lucid and practically helpful. Her experience as bridge-builder between Lutherans and Roman Catholics as well as between German and English-speaking theological traditions allows her to grapple with many contemporary problems in a creative and forward-looking fashion. Not only academic theologians, but also ecumenically minded laypeople will benefit from Thiessen's sincere and participatory way of engaging challenging topics.”

Being Promised

Theology

“The dimension of promise has not been adequately mapped in contemporary theological discussions on gift. Gregory Walter accomplishes a detailed topology of this phenomenon, relating biblical promises to the overarching issues of hospitality and recognition. Being Promised demonstrates vividly the relevance of doctrinal theology for current anthropological debates.”

Changing Churches

Theology

“A bold and considerate book on a highly sensitive subject. In ecumenical theology, the issue of conversion has for the most part been discussed in anonymous and abstract terms. Mattox, Roeber, and Hinlicky offer a personal account that takes this deeply theological issue and the context of our contemporary world seriously.”

Dominus Mortis

Theology

“Sometimes the best innovation consists in showing that no innovation is needed. David J. Luy demonstrates how Luther’s theology of the cross employs the resources of patristic and medieval theology. This careful study reminds all friends of Luther to not read our own favorite ideas into the thought of the Reformation.”

God the Revealed

Theology

“After several books about the Holy Spirit and the creation, Michael Welker here presents a systematic Christology. He builds bridges between classical and contemporary issues, offering new insights on revelation, the cross, the resurrection, and the reign of the exalted Christ. Welker's multicontextual perspective will inform and inspire Christians from all denominations.”

In the Spirit

Theology

“In her innovative study, Candace L. Kohli shows how Luther's treatment of human subjectivity contains an original vision of Christian moral agency. In this vision, the Spirit sustains the law and elevates the human person. With this view of the Spirit, the positive role of the law can be defined without legalism.”

Luther Refracted

Theology

“Martin Luther is a more polyphonic and full-bodied theological figure than ecumenists usually assume. This volume discovers a variety of ways in which the Reformation contributes to the unity of the church. In our multicultural modernity, ecumenism needs the rich powers of theological imagery and imagination present in Luther.”

Redeeming Identity

Theology

“When we recognize other people as friends, neighbors, and Christians, we are also ourselves transformed by these acts of recognition. Robert Vosloo shows that the processes of recognizing others are deeply embedded in Christian history, theology, and ethics. In these processes, the power of grace reorients the self and calibrates the community.”

Theology and the End of Doctrine

Theology

“Recent discussion on doctrine has often been critical of the theological insights of modernity. Christine Helmer undertakes a careful revision of this discussion, emphasizing the need to take history and religious studies seriously. She demonstrates that this emphasis does not downplay the language and reality of theological doctrine but gives them a new relevance.”

Thérèse and Martin

History & Biography

“The superficial character of modern secular life is a problem that occupies Christians of various traditions. The Swedish Lutheran Bishop Karin Johannesson asks for help from the Carmelite tradition. Her book is a spiritual quest and an intellectual treatise, embracing Thérèse of Lisieux and Martin Luther as lights that lead to a deepened Christian vision.”

Transformed into the Same Image

Theology

“The doctrine of deification was first neglected in modern Western theology, and then enthusiastically rediscovered by Lutheran, Calvinist, Methodist, and Pentecostal scholars. Now the time is ripe for a critical and constructive reassessment. The present volume undertakes a differentiated evaluation of biblical and historical evidence and makes a number of fascinating new proposals. With the help of this book, the relative importance of deification in Christian soteriology is outlined in a solid and inspiring fashion.”

United with Christ

History & Biography

“Martin Luther stands at the crossroads of medieval mysticism and early modern university theology. German, American, and Scandinavian scholars interpret Luther's vision in diverse ways. Volker Leppin masters this complex field and provides an academic synthesis that leads the reader to the heart of the Reformation.”