Spirit and Salvation

This fourth volume in Veli-Matti Karkkainen's ambitious five volume systematic theology develops a constructive Christian pneumatology and soteriology in dialogue with the Christian tradition, with contemporary theology in all its global and contextual diversity, and with other major living faiths - Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Karkkainen constructs a wide and deep theology of the Holy Spirit, examining creation and the sciences, other cosmic powers and beings, the concepts of spirits in other religions, and the Spirit's place in society and politics. He also goes beyond traditional ways of understanding salvation - election, forgiveness, justification, sanctification, and glorification - and includes discussions of Spirit-baptism, healing and restoration, reconciliation, liberation, and peace-building, carefully comparing Christian perspectives with the salvific views of other religions. PRAISE FOR PREVIOUS VOLUMES "An extraordinary effort. . . . Karkkainen's awareness of contemporary issues and vast learning make this volume a necessity for any scholar or Christian leader." - Choice "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." - Peter Phan, Georgetown University