You Tube Theology

Is the doctrine of theosis—or deification—compatible with Christian, Evangelical faith? At the 2025 Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) meeting, Michael Reardon sits down with world-renowned systematic theologian Dr. Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen to discuss the biblical basis for union with God and the theological legacy of churches under the ministry of Watchman Nee and Witness Lee.

In this interview, we discuss:

• The definition of theosis in Global Systematic Theology.
• Biblical verses, such as 2 Peter 1:4, that support deification as a Christian truth.
• Dr. Kärkkäinen’s perspective on the local churches and the Recovery Version.
• How "the economy of God" bridges Eastern and Western traditions within Christendom.
• The Christian truth of "becoming God" and "union with God."
• About the Guest: Dr. Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen is Professor of Systematic Theology at Fuller - Theological Seminary and the author of the five-volume A Constructive Christian Theology for the Pluralistic World.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction
1:10 - First Encounter with the Local Churches
3:08 - Impact on Scholarship and Deification
4:35 - Contributions of the Local Churches Ministry
6:15 - Ecumenical Dialogue on Deification
7:32 - Biblical References to Deification
8:50 - Discussion on Bible Translations and Recovery Version
9:47 - Conclusion and Future Plans

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