New Book: An Exploration of Unification Theology and the Christian Tradition
By Theodore Shimmyo | Published by HJI Press
HJI is pleased to announce the publication the latest book by Dr. Theodore Shimmyo, HJI Adjunct Professor of Theology. Entitled An Exploration of Unification Theology and Christian Tradition and published by HJI Press, it bridges Unification and Christian theology, promoting deeper understanding and dialogue between the two faith traditions.
Available now for purchase on Amazon here!
Rooted in the biblical and Christian tradition, Unification theology has often been misunderstood, creating tension between Unificationists and mainstream Christianity. Dr. Shimmyo, a respected theologian and professor at HJ International Graduate School for Peace and Public Leadership, seeks to bridge this gap and promote genuine ecumenical understanding.
At the core of Unification theology lies the idea of God’s Heart—a concept similar to the Old Testament’s chesed, or steadfast love. From this foundation, the book explores twelve major theological themes—from the nature of God and the Trinity to the Fall, the Atonement, and Eschatology—offering new insights into questions that have challenged theologians for centuries.
Scholars praise the work for its depth and clarity. One endorser calls it “superior in research,” while another highlights Shimmyo’s “unequaled ability to compare Unification and Christian theology.”
Accessible yet profound, this book invites readers of all backgrounds to rediscover the love and unity at the heart of God’s will—a message of reconciliation much needed in today’s divided world.
Reviews:
“Theodore Shimmyo’s An Exploration of Unification Theology and the Christian Tradition demonstrates an earnest commitment to engaging ecumenical dialogue, exploring areas of commonality and divergence between Unification theology and traditional Christian thought. His effort to bridge these theological streams reflects a commendable openness to mutual understanding and intellectual exchange. While such endeavors are inherently complex, they contribute meaningfully to fostering dialogue on profound and challenging theological questions.”
VASSILIOS BEBIS, Professor of Eastern Orthodox and Ecumenical Theology.
Graduate Theological Foundation; Eastern Orthodox Chaplain at Harvard University.
“Theodore Shimmyo’s An Exploration of Unification Theology and the Christian Tradition tackles practically every aspect of the study of theology and reflects his profound commitment to the field over fifty years. As his magnum opus, it provides unique perspectives on Christian theology for both Unificationist and non-Unificationist scholars alike. The quality of the research is superior and incorporates profound insights into the nature and personality of God-specifically about the God of passion, feeling and suffering. His ability to compare Christian and Unification theology is unequaled.”
FRANCO FAMULARO, Chair of the Board of Trustees, HJ International Graduate School for Peace and Public Leadership.
“Unification theology is still in its formative stages. Young Oon Kim pioneered the first comprehensive, systematic treatment in Unification Theology and Christian Thought (1975) and Unification Theology (1980). Theodore Shimmyo has now published the second major statement. His An Exploration of Unification Theology and the Christian Tradition demonstrates how Unification faith can speak meaningfully to questions people face in their lives. It will stand as a definitive volume for the next generation of Unification theologians.”
MICHAEL MICKLER, Distinguished Professor of Historical Studies, HJ International Graduate School for Peace and Public Leadership.
About the Author:
THEODORE SHIMMYO is Professor Emeritus of Theology at the HJ International Graduate School for Peace and Public Leadership, where he teaches systematic theology and other Christian theology courses as well as Unification theology. His published writings include Explorations in Unificationism (1977) and numerous articles on theological topics. He served as President of HJI from 1994-2000 (now President Emeritus). He received a Ph.D. in Christian theology from Drew University, USA and a B.S. in nuclear engineering from the University of Tokyo, Japan.