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Professor of Systematic Theology,
Fuller Theological Seminary
Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen holds a PhD in Theology from the University of Helsinki and an MA from Fuller Theological Seminary. He is a professor of systematic theology at Fuller Theological Seminary and a docent of ecumenics at the University of Helsinki.
An ordained Lutheran minister, Dr Veli-Matti has taught theology in Europe, Asia, and North America. His research focuses on pneumatology and the intersection of the Holy Spirit’s activity with pluralistic and often overlooked contexts. His ecumenical work has contributed significantly to the World Council of Churches, and he has participated in the Christian Self-Understanding and Religious Plurality working group and the Edinburgh World Mission Conference in 2010. He has been actively involved in Reformed-Pentecostal, Lutheran-Pentecostal, and World Council of Churches-Pentecostal dialogues.
Dr Veli-Matti is a prolific author, having written and edited over 30 books, including the acclaimed Constructive Christian Theology for the Pluralistic World (2013-2017), which explores Christian doctrine in dialogue with other faith traditions.
The purpose of this presentation is to explore the work of the Holy Spirit outside the church, particularly among other religions, and Pentecostals’ struggle to exercise the gift and capacity of discerning the Spirit of God and the spirit(s) therein. As a framework for the investigation, there is a comprehensive and multilayered account of the work of the Spirit of God in the world that God has created. The Holy Spirit is active and present not only in the Church, personal salvation, and charismatic empowerment, but also in creation and the workings of the world, society, and culture (politics, economy, arts, friendship, etc.), the spiritual powers and beings (such as angels and demons), as well as other religions and their visions of the “spirit(s).” Without succumbing to theological pluralism and universalism or weakening in evangelistic and holistic missional fervour, I challenge Pentecostals to reconsider their somewhat limited and restricted vision of the sovereign work of the Divine Spirit. If there is one place where such careful, Spirit-guided openness is urgently needed, it is across Asia. “The wind blows where it wills” (John 3:8, RSV).
Many separate the atonement from Pentecost to the degree that the link between them is lost. I wish to explore that link. The link is based on the insight that the cross of Christ is not limited to Israel. Rather, Christ seeks at the cross to open his life to all peoples, redeeming persons “from every tribe, and language, and people, and nation” (Rev. 5:9) and breaking down the wall of hostility between them (Eph. 2:14-16). The Spirit is poured out on all peoples at Pentecost in loyalty to the cross and for the sake of the crucified and risen Christ.
Many separate the atonement from Pentecost to the degree that the link between them is lost. I wish to explore that link. The link is based on the insight that the cross of Christ is not limited to Israel. Rather, Christ seeks at the cross to open his life to all peoples, redeeming persons “from every tribe, and language, and people, and nation” (Rev. 5:9) and breaking down the wall of hostility between them (Eph. 2:14-16). The Spirit is poured out on all peoples at Pentecost in loyalty to the cross and for the sake of the crucified and risen Christ.
Many separate the atonement from Pentecost to the degree that the link between them is lost. I wish to explore that link. The link is based on the insight that the cross of Christ is not limited to Israel. Rather, Christ seeks at the cross to open his life to all peoples, redeeming persons “from every tribe, and language, and people, and nation” (Rev. 5:9) and breaking down the wall of hostility between them (Eph. 2:14-16). The Spirit is poured out on all peoples at Pentecost in loyalty to the cross and for the sake of the crucified and risen Christ.
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