Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen

Putin's Altar Boy

History & Biography

“A fascinating narrative and incisive analysis of the "symphony" between President Putin's regime and Patriarch Kirill's church. While based on meticulous documentation, this book is accessible also for non-specialists. Written by a historian-churchman from Finland, a country with the world's longest shared border with Russia, the study also brings to light many accounts and sources previously unavailable for an English-speaking readership. Strongly recommended for anyone interested in the relationship between religion and politics.”

Reclaiming Mission as Constructive Theology

Theology

“"In these essays, a noted international theologian takes another creative and constructive look at the concept of the missio Dei. He not only reaffirms the importance of God's mission in the current fragmented world but also revamps the concept in light of the latest developments in post-colonial missiology and mission theology. Part of this intriguing interdisciplinary conversation is the reconsideration of the meaning and significance of the notion of "missional church," a topic widely discussed not only in North America but also elsewhere.”

The Distinctive Identity of the Church

Theology

“I can't think of any better theological and missiological guides than Newbigin and Yoder to help us navigate the post-Christendom waters of the 'secular' West. And I haven't found any better analyses of their distinctive ecclesiological visions than the present book. Not merely an analysis, but also a constructive proposal of the distinctive identity of the Christian community, this study should be essential reading for all interested in the role of the church in the third millennium.”

The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit

Theology

Foreword

(wrote the foreword)

The Empowering God

Theology

Foreword

“A fine contribution not only to the rapidly growing Pentecostal-Charismatic studies, but also to the wider international systematic and constructive theological scholarship. . . . Tapping into contemporary systematic and liberation theologies, as well as interdisciplinary resources (including those coming from behavioral sciences), Suh argues that rightly understood, behind the prosperity gospel appeal is a desire toward human flourishing at the personal and communal levels. The end result is a fascinating constructive recommendation for not only Pentecostal-Charismatics but also to all Christians to envision ordinary human life—even in suffering—as a life of abundance and liberation.”

The Holy Spirit and Ch'i (Qi)

Theology

“Although numbers of different kinds of 'contextual' approaches to the theology of the Holy Spirit are emerging at the beginning of the third millennium, Professor Koo D. Yun's constructive 'chiological' pneumatology stands out as distinctive and has the capacity to give leadership and inspiration to many such explorations to come. In this highly creative and constructive work, ancient and contemporary Chinese, Korean, and other East Asian philosophico-religious resources are put into a mutual dialogue with biblical, historical, and systematic Christian theological voices. The end result is a feast of theological, philosophical, and religious insights highlighting the wonderful work of the Holy Spirit through the lens of Ch'i and related Asian ways of conceiving the 'divine spirit/essence.'”

The Holy Spirit in the Christian Life

Theology

“An exquisite pneumatological feast. A rare combination of profound theological learning, mature pastoral sensitivity, and keen religio-cultural analysis. Drawing widely from Lutheran resources, in dialogue with emerging Pentecostal theologies of the Spirit, and in consultation with the best of the pneumatological reservoir of ecumenical theology, Professor Cheryl Peterson establishes her fame as the leading American Lutheran pneumatologist. The Holy Spirit in the Christian Life is a must-read not only for mainstream Protestants but also for Pentecostals and charismatics—and everyone who wishes to learn more about a fresh experience of the divine Spirit.”

The Journey of Modern Theology

Theology

“Having used for years and years 'Grenz and Olson' as a classroom resource, I am enthused about this rewrite which, indeed, is such a complete rewrite that it has made an already great text even better! What distinguishes this survey of contemporary theology from all others is not only Dr. Olson's insightful and balanced critique of views but also its integral narrative structure. Similar to its predecessor, this one is likely to become a standard resource for years to come.”

The One God

Theology

“Whereas in much of contemporary Trinitarian theology there is a definite push toward the three-ness as a corrective to what current theologians regard as a one-sided affirmation of the unity, the main task of this insightful study by Michael Chiavone is to remind of the importance of finding a balance that would secure the unity of the Triune God. After a careful and irenic critique of some of the leading constructive Trinitarian proposals by Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant thinkers, Chiavone boldly lays down his own proposal. This is a valuable invitation to continue dialogue about this most vital issue.”

The Priesthood of All Believers in the Twenty-First Century

Theology

“This book is a delightful and exciting mixture of biblical, historical, ecumenical, systematic, and practical theology informed by a good amount of philosophical, sociological, and global perspectives. Out of this grind-mill emerges a fresh vision of the church for the new millennium that fosters and nurtures the active participation of all. Indeed, this is a vision of how the people of God may be Living Faithfully as the Whole People of God in a Postmodern Context.”

The Spirit Driven Church

Theology

“Professor Terje Hegertun comes to the task of constructing a pneumatological ecclesiology exceptionally well-qualified. A life-long Pentecostal minister and theologian, he is also fully conversant with Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions. Drinking from deep ecumenical wells of spirituality and theological insight, he presents to us a fresh and compelling account of The Spirit Driven Church.”

The Spirit Renews the Face of the Earth

Science & Faith

“This volume of essays is a testimony to the fact that not only has Pentecostal theology come of age, but that Pentecostals are now equipped theologically to facilitate dialogue with science and creation care. Dr. Yong, the leading Pentecostal constructive theologian, has put together an impressive interdisciplinary team of scholars to offer exciting reflections on distinctively Pentecostal creation theology and practice in sympathetic and critical dialogue with scientific perspectives. This is a landmark volume.”

The Transformative Church

Theology

“Patrick Oden’s way of weaving Moltmann's creative theological program into the tapestry of some of the most recent ecclesiological developments is transformative! It points into a new way of doing constructive theology. What a theological feast this book is.”

The Vitality of Liberation Theology

Theology

“Here, finally, is a book that puts liberation and poverty in theological and social-theory perspective. It is compelling and prophetic. Poverty is not only real and devastating in its many forms, but no serious Christian theology and missiology can do without a vital liberationist account. Highly recommended for both professionals and those in need of a solid introduction.”

Theological Authority in the Church

Theology

Foreword

(wrote the foreword)

Thinking with the Spirit

Theology

“The future of Continental Pentecostal scholarship has arrived! In this inaugural volume of the new series titled Pentecostal Collaborations, emerging scholar-practitioners and seasoned academician-educators collaborate in tackling vital issues in Pentecostal theology, missiology, and praxis!”

Tongues of Fire

Theology

“Frank Macchia’s magnum opus does something no other theological work that I know has delivered before: engages the whole of classical theological thought in dialogue with the best of Pentecostal and Charismatic traditions. Always hospitable in posture, Macchia’s solutions to ancient questions and fresh proposals to current ones come as an invitation for further dialogue. No theologian, pastor, or student—Pentecostal or not—can afford anything other than a careful study of this landmark work.”

Witness Is Presence

Theology

“This book is a wonderful indication of not only the great relevance of Hauerwas' theological-ethical vision for the wider church of Christ in general, but also with regard to particular contexts such as the Nordic lands. Thoroughly knowledgable of the intricacies of the post-secular European ecclesiastical context and the theological nuances of the leading American ethicist, Miika Tolonen's patient and insightful investigation is a call for the church to live up to its message. Indeed, having read this inspiring text convinced me that whatever else it might be, primarily witness is presence.”

World Religions in Seven Sentences

World Religions

“This innovative primer succeeds where most introductory texts fail, namely in combining a lucid and succinct exposition with accuracy and precision. Another great virtue of the text is its capacity to introduce religious and atheistic positions in a most hospitable manner while adding some constructive, critical observations from the Christian point of view. All in all, an extraordinary tool for both seasoned and novice students of living faiths and secularism.”