Academic Activities

Heaven or Hell - or Something Else:

The Question of the Final Destiny in Contemporary Theology

*This activity is CCL-recognized. 活動為聯通課程（CCL）。

英文主講 | Language: English

Date: October 15th, 2025 (Wednesday) 
Time: 17:00-19:00
Venue: WLB109（Rm109, The Wing Lung Bank Building for Business Studies, Shaw Campus, HKBU)
Speaker: Prof. Veli-Matti KÄRKKÄINEN (Fuller Theological Seminary)
Moderator: Rev. Prof. James Dominic ROONEY (Hong Kong Baptist University)

Honorable Guest:  Prof. Ping Cheung LO (Fuller Theological Seminary)

Abstract

The purpose of this lecture is to discuss and propose some constructive ideas about the complicated question of the final destiny of men and women in eternity. Whereas the two destinies, heaven or hell, first come to mind, since the beginning of the church there have also been other options, particularly universalism. In contemporary theology, there are also some other innovative options.

Speaker:

Rev. Dr. Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen is Professor of Systematic Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary and Docent of Ecumenics at the University of Helsinki. Native of Finland, he has lived and taught theology in Thailand, and continues participating widely in ecumenical, theological, and interreligious work including the Building Bridges International Muslim-Christian Seminar. An ordained Lutheran Minister and an expert on Pentecostal-Charismatic theologies, he is also an author and (co-) editor of more than 30 books and hundreds of essays. His major project is the five-volume series titled Constructive Christian Theology for the Pluralistic World (Eerdmans 2013-17) which develops Christian doctrine in dialogue with four faith traditions and natural sciences. His most recent publications include I Believe—Help My Unbelief. Christian Beliefs for a Religiously Pluralistic and Secular World (Cascade Books, 2024) and Theological Renewal for the Third Millennium. A Kärkkäinen Compendium, ed. Andrew Ray Williams and Patrick Oden (Cascade Books, 2022). His pastoral assignment is in the bi-lingual Finnish Lutheran Church in California and Texas.

Moderator:

Rev. Prof. James Dominic Rooney is Assistant Professor in the Academy of Chinese, History, Religion, and Philosophy at Hong Kong Baptist University. He is also the author of the recently published book, "Not a Hope in Hell" (2024).

Honorable Guest:

Prof. Ping Cheung Lo is the Dean and Rebecca Stephan Professor of Chinese Studies and Academic Dean for the Chinese Studies Center at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is also a Professor Emeritus in the Academy of Chinese, History, Religion, and Philosophy at Hong Kong Baptist University.