The Identity of the Church: A Guide to Recognizing the Contemporary ChurchSCM Press, 1987 - 276 pages This book does precisely what its title indicates. It discusses and makes as clear as possible what, in the authors' view, the church is, what are its limits, what should be its doctrine, what is the status of its ministry and the nature of its sacraments, and how in the present state of disunion, confusion and uncertainty we can conceive that the church of Jesus Christ exists. In other words, it offers a theology of the church. It is addressed primarily to Anglicans, who have every reason to be confused and uncertain. The fact that we live in a period when ecumenical co-operation and dialogue are being practised as never before in the history of Christianity makes the need for clarity here all the more important. However, it does not deal with the many ethical, social, political and even economic issues and choices which face the church, nor is it a blueprint for the future. Many problems are caused by lack of adequate theological reflection. This book provides primarily that and by focussing on what is called ecclesiology, it will provide clergy and laity alike with a basis on which plans can be made for the future. |
Contents
The Ecumenical Experience | 23 |
An Ecclesiology for Today | 40 |
Orthodoxy | 69 |
Copyright | |
9 other sections not shown
Common terms and phrases
accept Anglican Communion Anglo-Catholics apostles argument authority baptism Barth believe Bible biblical Bishop of Rome called certainly Christian Christian church Christian doctrine Church of England claim clergy course Creed denominations determine doctrine early church Eastern Orthodox Church ecclesiology ecumenical movement episcopal eschatological eucharist evangelical example existence fact form of ministry Free Churches God's gospel Holy Spirit Ibid infallibility Jesus Christ Karl Barth laity least liturgy means ment Methodists ministers modern national church non-episcopal Old Testament ordained ministry ordination of women Orthodox Church papacy parousia Pastorals Paul Paul's perhaps Pope prayer preaching the word presbyter priest priesthood prophets Protestant question recognize regarded religious experience reunion rite Roman Catholic Church sacraments scheme schism scholars SCM Press scripture Second Vatican Council seems sense South India teaching theologians theology tion tradition true united church Vatican Council Western church worship