The Oxford Handbook of Ecclesiology (Oxford Handbooks)

The Oxford Handbook of Ecclesiology is a unique scholarly resource for the study of the Christian Church as we find it in the Bible, in history, and today. As the scholarly study of how we understand the Christian Church's identity and mission, ecclesiology is at the centre of today's theological research, reflection, and debate. Ecclesiology is the theological driver of the ecumenical movement. The main focus of the intense ecumenical engagement and dialogue of the past half-century has been ecclesiological and this is the area where the most intractable differences remain to be tackled. Ecclesiology investigates the Church's manifold self-understanding in relation to a number of areas: the origins, structures, authority, doctrine, ministry, sacraments, unity, diversity, and mission of the Church, including its relation to the state and to society and culture. The sources of ecclesiological reflection are the Bible (interpreted in the light of scholarly research), Church history, and the wealth of the Christian theological tradition, together with the information and insights that emerge from other relevant academic disciplines. This Handbook considers the biblical resources, historical development, and contemporary initiatives in ecclesiology. It offers an invaluable and comprehensive guide to understanding the Church. The Handbook Provides A Unique Scholarly Resource For The Study Of The Christian Church As We Find It In The Bible, In History And Today. Introduction To Ecclesiology / Paul Avis -- The Ecclesiology Of Israel's Scriptures / R.w.l. Moberly -- The Church In The Synoptic Gospels And The Acts Of The Apostles / Loveday C.a. Alexander -- The Johannine Vision Of The Church / Andrew T. Lincoln -- The Shape Of The Pauline Churches / Edward Adams -- The Church In The General Epistles / Gerald O'collins, Sj -- Early Ecclesiology In The West / Mark Edwards -- The Eastern Orthodox Tradition / Andrew Louth -- Medieval Ecclesiology And The Conciliar Movement / Norman Tanner, Sj -- The Church In The Magisterial Reformers / Dorothea Wendebourg -- Anglican Ecclesiology / Paul Avis -- Roman Catholic Ecclesiology From The Council Of Trent To Vatican Ii And Beyond / Ormond Rush -- Baptist Concepts Of The Church And Their Antecedents / Paul S. Fiddes -- Methodism And The Church / David M. Chapman -- Pentecostal Ecclesiologies / Amos Yong -- Karl Barth / Kimlyn J. Bender -- Yves Congar / Gabriel Flynn -- Henri De Lubac / Gabriel Flynn -- Karl Rahner / Richard Lennan -- Joseph Ratzinger / Theodor Dieter -- John Zizioulas / Paul Mcpartlan -- Wolfhart Pannenberg / Friedericke N�ussel -- Rowan Williams / Mike Higton -- Feminist Critiques, Visions, And Models Of The Church / Elaine Graham -- Social Science And Ideological Critiques Of Ecclesiology / Neil Ormerod -- Liberationist Ecclesiologies With Special Reference To Latin America / Michelle A. Gonzalez -- Asian Ecclesiologies / Simon Chan -- African Ecclesiologies / Stan Chu Ilo. Edited By Paul Avis. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. "The Oxford Handbook of Ecclesiology is a unique scholarly resource for the study of the Christian Church as we find it in the Bible, in history and today. As the scholarly study of how we understand the Christian Church's identity and mission, ecclesiology is at the centre of today's theological research, reflection, and debate. Ecclesiology is the theological driver of the ecumenical movement. The main focus of the intense ecumenical engagement and dialogue of the past half-century has been ecclesiological and this is the area where the most intractable differences remain to be tackled Ecclesiology investigates the Church's manifold self-understanding in relation to a number of areas: the origins, structures, authority, doctrine, ministry, sacraments, unity, diversity, and mission of the Church, including its relation to the state and to society and culture. The sources of ecclesiological reflection are the Bible (interpreted in the light of scholarly research), Church history and the wealth of the Christian theological tradition, together with the information and insights that emerge from other relevant academic disciplines. This Handbook considers the biblical resources, historical development, and contemporary initiatives in ecclesiology."--Jaquette du volume Nearly thirty expert contributions describe the continuities and discontinuities in the changing understanding of the church in this comprehensive resource for the scholarly study of the theological identity and self-understanding of the church through the centuries. The scope of ecclesiology is defined by the manifold self-understanding and action of the church in relation to a number of research fields, including its historical origins, structures of authority, doctrine, ministry and sacraments, unity and diversity, and mission, as well as its relation to the state, to civil society, and to culture. The book covers the main sources of such ecclesiological research and reflection, namely the Bible, church history from the apostolic age to the present, the wealth of the Christian theological traditions, the experience and practice of the churches today, together with information and insights that emerge from other relevant academic disciplines