Karin Stetina

Dr. Karin Spiecker Stetina is passionate about teaching theology that is aimed at loving the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength (Matt. 22:37). She aims to relate theology to following Christ in daily life. She taught theology and church history for nearly 20 years at Wheaton College before coming to Biola University where she serves as an Associate Professor of Theology. She has been a consultant and an editor for Luther Digest and is currently on the committee for Church History Since 1700 for the Evangelical Theological Society and a co-editor of Theology for Christian Scholar’s Review. She has her ministry license with the Evangelical Free Church and has served on the Women’s Ministry Team at Grace Ev. Free in La Mirada, CA. Dr. Stetina’s research interests include Reformation Theology and the theology of John Calvin, Martin Luther, and Jonathan Edwards.

Affiliation Faculty
Position Professor of Theology

Author's books

Aspects of Reforming: Theology and Practice in Sixteenth Century Europe

The book illustrates the fact that in reforming theology sixteenth century theologians also reformed practice or the imperatives of Christian living. Experts in reformation studies identify and elucidate areas of sixteenth century reforming activity in Martin Luther, John Calvin and other leading reformers to demonstrate the thoroughgoing nature of the reformation agenda. The interpretation of Scripture, the centrality of Jesus Christ, the Jewish question, freedom and pastoral insight form the contents of an important section on Luther. The use of feminine imagery for God, the Augsburg Confession, deification, education, and the gospel are treated in relation to Calvin. The final section deals with Oecolampadius, the Son of Man texts in Matthew, justification, texts on difficult deaths and a Trinitarian exegesis of Scripture. By careful reading of both the historical situation and the primary texts this volume adds significantly to our understanding of the period.

How to Read Theology for All Its Worth: A Guide for Students

In How to Read Theology for All Its Worth, professor, author, and devoted reader Karin Stetina introduces students to the basic skills of intelligent reading, applied especially to theological works. Anyone who’d like to read theology well, whether a formal student or interested layperson, will benefit from the simple steps Stetina outlines. How to Read Theology for All Its Worth will equip readers not only to understand theology but also to insightfully engage authors’ ideas. With the basic tools in hand, everyone can read with confidence and enjoy “conversations” with theological works.

How to Read Theology for All Its Worth: A Guide for Students – Audiobook

In How to Read Theology for All Its Worth, professor, author, and devoted reader Karin Stetina introduces students to the basic skills of intelligent reading, applied especially to theological works. Anyone who’d like to read theology well, whether a formal student or interested layperson, will benefit from the simple steps Stetina outlines. How to Read Theology for All Its Worth will equip readers not only to understand theology but also to insightfully engage authors’ ideas. With the basic tools in hand, everyone can read with confidence and enjoy “conversations” with theological works.

Jonathan Edwards’ Early Understanding of Religious Experience: His New York Sermons, 1720-1723

The significance of Scripture and piety had on Jonathan Edwards’ theology has often been obscured by his innovative use of secular though and reformed theology in his public writings. This study focuses on his earliest sermons and personal writings, which stand [prior to his study of Locke and use of the technical term sense of the heart. In looking at Edwards’ background, faith, and early sermons, this study presents an account of the emergence and expression of his early understanding of religious experience. True religion Edwards discovered, consists of the knowledge of God’s glory, love and grace made manifest by Jesus Christ and supernaturally imparted to the soul of mankind.

Since we are Justified by Faith: Justification in the Theologies of the Protestant Reformation

It is often assumed that the Reformation taught justification by faith as if there was a monolithic view of the doctrine. Since We Are Justified By Faith is a collection of important essays that dispel this myth, demonstrating the diverse theologies of that period. Experts in the field, including Cameron MacKenzie, Aaron OKelly, Jeff Fisher, Kirk MacGregor, Mary Patton Baker, Karin Spiecker Stetina, David Hall, Bonnie Pattison, Timothy Shaun Price, Andre Gazal, and Chris Ross, write on the theologies of Luther, Melanchthon, Oecolampadius, Marpeck, Calvin, and the English reformers to give a nuanced reading of the doctrine in sixteenth-century Protestant theology.

Sixteenth-Century Mission: Explorations in Protestant and Roman Catholic Theology and Practice

In Sixteenth-Century Mission, a diverse cast of contributors explores the wide-reaching practice and theology of mission during this era. Rather than a century bereft of cross-cultural outreach, we find both Reformers and Roman Catholics preaching the gospel and establishing the church in all the world. This overlooked yet rich history reveals themes and insights relevant to the practice of mission today.

The Fatherhood of God in John Calvin’s Thought

Against the backdrop of feminist critique, Karin Spiecker Stetina gives us a thorough study of John Calvin’s ideas on the fatherhood of God. After looking briefly at Calvin’s own experience of fatherhood, the author looks in depth at his epistemology and then his imagery for God as Father against the background of the biblical and historical doctrine. This intriguing study allows us, through the lens of the reformer’s theology, to look again at what we mean by God as Father and believers as sons and daughters of the living God.

The Popular Handbook of World Religions

A compilation from some of today’s top religion scholars, The Popular Handbook of World Religions is a clear and insightful guide to understanding and conversing with followers of the world’s major belief systems. You will gain a balanced, nuanced comprehension of what followers of other religions believe, and see how those beliefs compare with those of Christianity, develop deeper respect for different cultures and appreciate their unique traditions and ideas, and learn how to share about Christ with true compassion and a recognition of other people’s individuality and heritage. Featuring the writings of Dr. Douglas Groothuis, Dr. Paul Copan, Dr. Winfried Corduan, and more, The Popular Handbook of World Religions is designed to help you gain the wisdom you need to interact with people of other faiths, from atheism to Judaism, Buddhism to Islam, Jainism to Sikhism, and more.