I am a specialist in ecumenical theology and a Bonhoeffer scholar who is interested in ecclesiology, fundamental theology, theology of ordained ministry, sacraments, spirituality and social ethical themes.
Overcoming the harmful side of dualism is one of the key contemporary challenges. Theologically, ... more Overcoming the harmful side of dualism is one of the key contemporary challenges. Theologically, this has meant a holistic turn in trinitarian theology. The article aims to bring relevant features of the patristic understanding—especially St Augustine’s—into dialogue with the contributions of Luther and Bonhoeffer to trinitarian ontology. The thesis of this article is that Augustine’s theological heritage can promote an ecumenical understanding of participatory trinitarian thinking which combines both Western and Eastern approaches. I suggest that it can provide valuable insights for the current theological discussion. The approach of the Augustinian tradition, which focuses on the concept of relation and develops its connection with substance, and the approach of the Greek Fathers and their theology of the primacy of the person of the Father are brought into dialogue. It is suggested that in Luther’s and Bonhoeffer’s further development of Augustinian theology, the understanding of the Trinitarian communion as a dialectic between person and community in love can in a constructive way overcome both ecclesial individualism and rigid collectivism and form a horizon for a holistic ecumenical theology for today.
Martin Luther’s ordination formulary (1539) followed the early Church in its essential elements o... more Martin Luther’s ordination formulary (1539) followed the early Church in its essential elements of the word, prayer, and the laying on of hands. Ordination was also strongly epicletic, including the invocation of the Holy Spirit. Although Luther did not understand ordination as a sacrament, he affirmed its effective, instrumental character. The Lutheran Reformation retained bishops, but the Augsburg Confession’s article concerning ministry did not mention episcopacy. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland’s ordination is by a bishop through the word, prayer, and laying on of hands. Ordination is not merely the public confirmation of vocation but an instrumental and sacramentally effective act, in which benediction confers the ministry. If the Church is Christ’s presence and the incarnate Word is the basic sacrament in Lutheran-Roman Catholic dialogue, is a differentiated consensus possible concerning the ministry of word and sacrament, and ordination within this context, as a means of grace indwelt by God?
The Anglican-Lutheran Porvoo Declaration (1996) has implications for global Anglican-Lutheran rel... more The Anglican-Lutheran Porvoo Declaration (1996) has implications for global Anglican-Lutheran relations. It nurtured ecumenical processes which resulted in ‘full communion agreements’ between Lutherans and Episcopalians in the United States of America (1999), and in Canada between Lutherans and Anglicans (2001). Although the Porvoo Declaration influenced the later documents, regional bilateral agreements are not automatically interchangeable. The concept of ‘transitivity’ describes the relationship of two ecumenical agreements with each other and the possibility of applying an agreement in other regions. The Anglican Consultative Council (acc) in 2015 invited churches where appropriate to implement recommendations on ‘Laying foundations for transitive relationships’. In this article an analysis is offered of the current ecumenical situation and the presuppositions and implications of full communion agreements in general and individually. Communion-wide guidelines to identify possible next steps and the grounds on which all three ‘full communion’ agreements could become mutually transitive is also examined.
This study discusses the current state of ecumenical discussions on the mutual recognition of bap... more This study discusses the current state of ecumenical discussions on the mutual recognition of baptism and the possibilities for progress. Baptism is considered the basic sacrament of unity in Christianity, yet mutual baptismal confession is still not a reality among all Christian Churches and communities. This research also tries to answer questions about the lack of faith in infant baptism and the differences in understanding of the sacrament, especially in the relationship between Orthodox and Protestants. The method used in this study is a systematic analysis of the most relevant ecumenical theological sources of baptism. Understanding the relationship between baptism and faith is the main focus of this study, including an understanding of the ontological and epistemological dimensions of faith and being a Christian from a theological perspective. The results of the analysis are also integrated into the framework of Christian life in general and ecclesiology. One of the important...
Overcoming the harmful side of dualism is one of the key contemporary challenges. Theologically, ... more Overcoming the harmful side of dualism is one of the key contemporary challenges. Theologically, this has meant a holistic turn in trinitarian theology. The article aims to bring relevant features of the patristic understanding—especially St Augustine’s—into dialogue with the contributions of Luther and Bonhoeffer to trinitarian ontology. The thesis of this article is that Augustine’s theological heritage can promote an ecumenical understanding of participatory trinitarian thinking which combines both Western and Eastern approaches. I suggest that it can provide valuable insights for the current theological discussion. The approach of the Augustinian tradition, which focuses on the concept of relation and develops its connection with substance, and the approach of the Greek Fathers and their theology of the primacy of the person of the Father are brought into dialogue. It is suggested that in Luther’s and Bonhoeffer’s further development of Augustinian theology, the understanding of the Trinitarian communion as a dialectic between person and community in love can in a constructive way overcome both ecclesial individualism and rigid collectivism and form a horizon for a holistic ecumenical theology for today.
Martin Luther’s ordination formulary (1539) followed the early Church in its essential elements o... more Martin Luther’s ordination formulary (1539) followed the early Church in its essential elements of the word, prayer, and the laying on of hands. Ordination was also strongly epicletic, including the invocation of the Holy Spirit. Although Luther did not understand ordination as a sacrament, he affirmed its effective, instrumental character. The Lutheran Reformation retained bishops, but the Augsburg Confession’s article concerning ministry did not mention episcopacy. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland’s ordination is by a bishop through the word, prayer, and laying on of hands. Ordination is not merely the public confirmation of vocation but an instrumental and sacramentally effective act, in which benediction confers the ministry. If the Church is Christ’s presence and the incarnate Word is the basic sacrament in Lutheran-Roman Catholic dialogue, is a differentiated consensus possible concerning the ministry of word and sacrament, and ordination within this context, as a means of grace indwelt by God?
The Anglican-Lutheran Porvoo Declaration (1996) has implications for global Anglican-Lutheran rel... more The Anglican-Lutheran Porvoo Declaration (1996) has implications for global Anglican-Lutheran relations. It nurtured ecumenical processes which resulted in ‘full communion agreements’ between Lutherans and Episcopalians in the United States of America (1999), and in Canada between Lutherans and Anglicans (2001). Although the Porvoo Declaration influenced the later documents, regional bilateral agreements are not automatically interchangeable. The concept of ‘transitivity’ describes the relationship of two ecumenical agreements with each other and the possibility of applying an agreement in other regions. The Anglican Consultative Council (acc) in 2015 invited churches where appropriate to implement recommendations on ‘Laying foundations for transitive relationships’. In this article an analysis is offered of the current ecumenical situation and the presuppositions and implications of full communion agreements in general and individually. Communion-wide guidelines to identify possible next steps and the grounds on which all three ‘full communion’ agreements could become mutually transitive is also examined.
This study discusses the current state of ecumenical discussions on the mutual recognition of bap... more This study discusses the current state of ecumenical discussions on the mutual recognition of baptism and the possibilities for progress. Baptism is considered the basic sacrament of unity in Christianity, yet mutual baptismal confession is still not a reality among all Christian Churches and communities. This research also tries to answer questions about the lack of faith in infant baptism and the differences in understanding of the sacrament, especially in the relationship between Orthodox and Protestants. The method used in this study is a systematic analysis of the most relevant ecumenical theological sources of baptism. Understanding the relationship between baptism and faith is the main focus of this study, including an understanding of the ontological and epistemological dimensions of faith and being a Christian from a theological perspective. The results of the analysis are also integrated into the framework of Christian life in general and ecclesiology. One of the important...
Does a Formal Declaration on the Recognition of Baptism Make Sense? What Would Be the Theological and Practical Consequences?, 2021
Baptism as the Sacrament of Unity Baptism is the foundational sacrament of unity. It is fundament... more Baptism as the Sacrament of Unity Baptism is the foundational sacrament of unity. It is fundamental for fellowship with God and among Christians (Eph. 4:2-6). The recognition of baptism is crucial for ecclesiology and other Christian doctrines in this context. From the Lutheran perspective this is the case especially because of its soteriological significance. Faith, baptism, and baptismal education are parts of the same whole: being and living as a Christian.
An article which analyses the ecumenical discussion regarding the mutual recognition of baptism f... more An article which analyses the ecumenical discussion regarding the mutual recognition of baptism from a Lutheran and ecumenical point of view.
The focus of the ecumenical discussion of the place of deacons in the ordained ministry seems to ... more The focus of the ecumenical discussion of the place of deacons in the ordained ministry seems to concern how theologically and practically to embed the ministry within a sacramental communion ecclesiology in a way that reveals its significance as a sign and instrument of faith, hope, and love. How can we draw constructive and forward-looking conclusions from the vision that " diakonia " starts from the altar, and includes both liturgical and practical service in words and deeds, to function as a sign and instrument of the Kingdom? This is essentially connected with the question of how the Church can credibly follow her Lord. As an ordained ministry, the ministry of the deacon should reflect the balance of Trinitarian unity and the distinctiveness of the Trinity's persons. Moreover, the ordained ministry participates in the ministry of Christ the Deacon. How can the legacy of the Early Church and the patristic texts revitalise and concretise this vision? We begin here with Vatican II and its accompanying theological renewal, and continue with an examination of the Lima Document and the Porvoo Declaration to assess the concrete contemporary ecumenical situation.
The John Templeton Award for a Theological Promise was given in 2008 to this doctoral thesis on t... more The John Templeton Award for a Theological Promise was given in 2008 to this doctoral thesis on the theory of knowledge and ontology in the theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Finnish translation of Ecumenical dialogue report Communion in Growth: Declaration on the Church,... more Finnish translation of Ecumenical dialogue report Communion in Growth: Declaration on the Church, Eucharist, and Ministry. A Report from the Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue Commission for Finland. Translated by Tiina Huhtanen, Ilmari Karimies, Tomi Karttunen and Katri Tenhunen.
Suomenkielinen käännös Kasvavaa yhteyttä: Julistus kirkosta, eukaristiasta ja virasta Suomalaisen luterilais-katolisen dialogikomission raportti. Suomennos Tiina Huhtanen, Ilmari Karimies, Tomi Karttunen, Katri Tenhunen (suomennoksen tarkistus)
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Suomenkielinen käännös Kasvavaa yhteyttä: Julistus kirkosta, eukaristiasta ja virasta Suomalaisen luterilais-katolisen dialogikomission raportti. Suomennos Tiina Huhtanen, Ilmari Karimies, Tomi Karttunen, Katri Tenhunen (suomennoksen tarkistus)