Christ and Reconciliation

Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen is professor of systematic theology at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California, and docent of ecumenics at the University of Helsinki, Finland.

Choice (American Library Association)
"The author operates with a methodology that takes seriously the `contextual' nature of constructive theology. And he is aware that any responsible contemporary Christian theology must acknowledge and engage other living faith traditions. Finally, the approach is enriched because of his interdisciplinary methodology. The references and footnotes are themselves a wonderful theological resource. . . . Highly recommended."

Pneuma
"The book makes a compelling read because it is truly a rare gem — comparatively interreligious, biblical, systematic-historical-and-contemporary-theological, and interdisciplinary. . . . This volume and its sequel represent a systematic constructionism fitting for the twenty-first century that should pique the interest of serious learners of theology."

Peter Phan
-- Georgetown University
"Veli-Matti Karkkainen develops a vigorous understanding of Christ as reconciler that is solidly rooted in the Bible and the Christian tradition and at the same time sympathetic to contemporary insights. With awe and admiration readers of this comprehensive and lucid book will no doubt link its author's name with Thomas, Calvin, Barth, Moltmann, and other theological luminaries. After the completion of Karkkainen's five-volume project, theology will not be the same."

S. Mark Heim
-- Andover Newton Theological School
"Karkkainen brings an extraordinary breadth of theological learning and sympathy to this unique project. Though his canvas is vast, his patience and care in representing the views of all he engages are exemplary. . . . I am grateful both for what this volume delivers to its readers and for all that it promises to come."

Peter DeMey
-- University of Leuven
"In continuous dialogue with global theology and world religions, Pentecostal theologian Veli-Matti Karkkainen sheds new light on trinitarian Christian faith in all its aspects. . . . Openness to all forms of contextual theology is for him not a matter of political correctness to be expressed in a footnote, but lies at the heart of his methodology. . . . Christ and Reconciliation is a must-read for all theology students."

Paul S. Chung
-- Luther Seminary
"Christ and Reconciliation demonstrates a groundbreaking project of reframing constructive and systematic theology in search of a coherent vision in post-Western Christianity: inclusive, dialogical, and hospitable."