Christology: A Global Introduction - Paperback

by Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen (Author)

In this revised introduction, an internationally respected scholar explores biblical, historical, and contemporary developments in Christology. The book focuses on the global and contextual diversity of contemporary theology, including views of Christ found in the Global South and North and in the Abrahamic and Asian faith traditions. It is ideal for readers who desire to know how the global Christian community understands the person and work of Jesus Christ. This new edition accounts for the significant developments in theology over the past decade.

Back Jacket

This revised introduction explores biblical, historical, and contemporary developments in Christology, including global Christian diversity and views of other faith traditions. The second edition accounts for the significant developments in theology over the past decade.

Praise for the First Edition

"This book's distinctive contribution is well expressed in its subtitle: A Global Introduction. The author . . . presents a relatively comprehensive survey of biblical, classical, and modern western christological reflection and then expounds contemporary contextual Christologies from the world's nonwestern cultures and their indigenous churches. Those already familiar with the history of Christian thought about the person of Jesus Christ will nevertheless want to read this book."
--Roger E. Olson, Theology Today

"Kärkkäinen's introduction offers students a useful tour d'horizon of contemporary Christology by situating it within the ecumenical and geographic diversity that characterizes the contemporary theological landscape. The book will be a welcome resource for students interested in contemporary Christology and for teachers looking for sound resources for their courses. Readers will find Kärkkäinen's organization and presentation straightforward and accessible. . . . Composing a good introductory text is difficult. One must integrate the diverse and demanding research in a given field with pedagogical concerns. Kärkkäinen succeeds. His introduction to Christology is ambitious, clear, and sympathetic to a wide variety of positions."
--Christopher McMahon, Theological Studies

"[This book] will open up discussion on many areas of christological reflection for both experts and non-experts alike."
--Iain D. Campbell, Scottish Bulletin of Evangelical Theology

"Kärkkäinen leaves us in his debt by offering a much-needed global introduction to Christology. . . . This book is as clearly written as it is wide-ranging. . . . Kärkkäinen displays a broad grasp of contextual and indeed global christologies, and his tone throughout is irenic and graceful. His work stands as a very helpful introduction to some important developments in the theology of Christianity as a truly global religion. . . . Clear and readable, well-informed, and graceful, Christology: A Global Introduction has much to commend it."
--Tom McCall, Calvin Theological Journal

Author Biography

Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen (DrTheol, University of Helsinki) is professor of systematic theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. He is also docent of ecumenics at the University of Helsinki and the author of numerous books, including Pneumatology and The Doctrine of God.