Unfortunately, we ran into an audio problem near the end of the interview. As a result, some thoughts are incomplete. In today’s episode, we dive into the fascinating world of comparative theology with Dr. Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen from Fuller Theological Seminary. Dr. Kärkkäinen, who also teaches at the University of Helsinki, explains that comparative theology involves engaging with multiple religious traditions, often positioning Christianity in dialogue with another faith like Islam. We discuss how this differs from comparative religion, with the former being confessional and rooted in one’s own faith tradition. Dr. Kärkkäinen shares his personal experiences and insights from living in the predominantly Buddhist country of Thailand, which enriched his understanding of both Buddhism and his own Christian faith. We explore how comparative theology can build bridges, foster interfaith dialogue, and deepen one’s theological insights. There’s also a discussion about practical applications, like visiting religious sites and having meaningful encounters with people of other faiths. We also touch on Paul’s approach at Mars Hill, emphasizing the importance of being open-minded and engaging with other religions thoughtfully. The conversation extends to how comparative theology can help us understand and connect with the growing category of ‘nones’—individuals with no religious affiliation—in a pluralistic world.
To learn more, check out Dr. Kärkkäinen’s books on Amazon, including his latest, I Believe. Help My Unbelief!
