Kärkkäinen’s acclaimed five-volume constructive theology abridged in one accessible volume Providing a new and unique way of doing theology in our pluralistic world, Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen presents historic Christian doctrines in relation to the natural sciences and four other living faiths—Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. This textbook covers all systematic topics along with a host of current issues such as violence, colonialism, inclusivity, sociopolitical liberation, environmental care, and more. Accessible and student-friendly, Christian Theology in the Pluralistic World is the ideal text for exploring a theological vision at once rooted in the Christian tradition and constructive in its engagement with the complexities of our global, pluralistic world.

Original Scholarly Monograph

INSPIRATIONAL

If it is reasonable to believe in God, the ways in which God is thought of and spoken of deserve careful attention. This book looks carefully at the philosophical implications for thinking and speaking about God, the problems that have arisen and still arise, and the various solutions that have been proposed. In Part One Brian Davies examines the question of the reality of God. Do we have reason to believe in God? Arguments are discussed based on the beginning of the universe, its continued existence, the order it exhibits, experience of God, and the basis of morality. Finally, the Ontological Argument, based on the concept of God, is examined. Part Two looks at questions raised by what is said about God. Is talk about God meaningless? If not, in what sense can we talk about God? What does it mean to say that God is eternal and changeless? What does it mean to say that God is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent and good? Does the existence of evil invalidate belief in God? Part Three considers more precisely Christian belief in God. Is there a rational basis for Christianity? How does this relate to faith? Can we make sense of the doctrines of the Incarnation and the Trinity? Is prayer reasonable? Throughout the book arguments from all sides are treated readably but rigorously. There is generous provision of searching questions for discussion and further reading.

In Christ and Reconciliation Veli-Matti Karkkainen develops a constructive Christology and theology of salvation in dialogue with the best of Christian tradition, with contemporary theology in its global and contextual diversity, and with other major living faiths. Karkkainen's Constructive Christian Theology for the Pluralistic World is a five-volume project that aims to develop a new approach to and method of doing Christian theology in our pluralistic world at the beginning of the third millennium. Topics such as diversity, inclusivity, violence, power, cultural hybridity, and justice are part of the constructive theological discussion along with classical topics such as the messianic consciousness, incarnation, atonement, and the person of Christ. With the metaphor of hospitality serving as the framework for his discussion, Karkkainen engages Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism in sympathetic and critical mutual dialogue while remaining robustly Christian in his convictions. Never before has a full-scale doctrinal theology been attempted in such a wide and deep dialogical mode.

Harold Netland traces the emergence of the pluralistic ethos that challenges Christian faith and mission, interacting heavily with philosopher John Hick and providing a framework for developing a comprehensive evangelical theology of religions.

Are the world's great religions ultimately all the same? Christianity and Pluralism is a collection of concise yet thoughtful essays by J. I. Packer and Ron Dart, interacting with and responding to the four traditional models used to answer the existence of multiple faiths (exclusive, inclusive, pluralist, and syncretist), but focusing particularly that form of syncretism which claims that all faiths find commonality through their mystical traditions. Written in response to key events in the history of the Anglican church, Packer and Dart's analysis gives us a perennially relevant model for how the church ought to respond to our own pluralistic culture with integrity and kindnessâ€"and how to uphold the distinctiveness of the gospel. Christians directly or indirectly engaging our pluralist world will find their ideas enriched by this short yet powerful book.