How does Christian theology compare to Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam? The world is more religiously diverse than ever before. These days not only distant foreigners but also our coworkers and neighbors may well be adherents of other faiths. But how many of us really grasp the similarities and differences between the major world religions? Hence the need for Christian leaders and lay people, professors and students to learn the basics of comparative theology. Veli-Matti Karkkainen introduces the nature and work of comparative theology then delves into a detailed doctrine-by-doctrine comparison with the teachings of historical and contemporary Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. With every doctrine, he first presents a summary of "consensual" Christian teaching and then orients the readers to the distinctive teachings of other faith traditions, highlighting also parallels and differences. Ideal for undergraduate and graduate students, ministers, instructors, and lay people interested in interfaith relations and dialogue, Doing the Work of Comparative Theology distills the comparative-theological rigor of Karkkainen's Constructive Christian Theology for the Pluralistic World series into an accessible and user-friendly textbook. Readers will not only learn basic methodology but also begin to undertake the actual work of comparative theology. Table of Contents Introduction: What Is Comparative Theology? Why Do We Need It? 1. Revelation and Scripture among Religions 2. The Triune God among Religions 3. Nature and Creation in Religions' Imagination 4. Humanity and Human Nature in Religions' Teachings 5. Jesus Christ and "Savior" Figures among Religions 6. "Atonement" and Reconciliation among Religions 7. Holy Spirit and the S/spirit(s) of Religions 8. Visions of "Salvation" and Liberation among Religions 9. The Church and Religious Communities 10. Eschatological Visions and Symbols among Religions Epilogue: In Search of a "Proper Confidence"
Veli-Matti Kaerkkaeinen is professor of systematic theology at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California, and docent of ecumenics at the University of Helsinki, Finland. His other books include Christian Theology in the Pluralistic World and the five volumes of his ambitious constructive-theology project: Christ and Reconciliation, Trinity and Revelation, Creation and Humanity, Spirit and Salvation, and Hope and Community.
Philip Clayton -- Claremont School of Theology "Veli-Matti has established himself as one of the leading evangelical theologians for the pluralistic world. With staggering breadth and depth, he engages the world's religions, yet never at the cost of obscuring his Christian theological vision." -- Choice "The author operates with a methodology that takes seriously the 'contextual' nature of constructive theology. . . . Highly recommended."
