The Ecclesiology of Thomas F. Torrance: Koinonia and the Church

by Kate Tyler

Overview

This book provides a constructive analysis of Thomas F. Torrance’s ecclesiology. Holding the doctrine of the Trinity to be the “ground and grammar of theology,” Torrance viewed the doctrine of the Trinity as foundational for all ecclesiological reflection: What does it mean to be the people of the God whom Christians name as Father, Son, and Spirit? Tyler examines Torrance’s development of the rich potential of the metaphor koinonia, involving both a vertical dimension––the Church’s union with Christ through the Spirit––and a horizontal dimension––its visible existence in human history, lived out in space and time, and considers how the relationship between these two dimensions informs the structured forms of the Church’s life, its ecumenical breadth, and its missional vision.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781978701656
Publisher:	Lexington Books
Publication date:	08/12/2019
Pages:	270
Product dimensions:	6.32(w) x 8.94(h) x 1.02(d)

About the Author

Kate Tyler is college director at Bishopdale College in Nelson, New Zealand.

Table of Contents

1. Torrance’s Approach to Theology

2. The Trinity: A Theological Foundation

3. A Diachronic Ecclesiology

4. The Church of the Triune God

5. Church Order in the Time Between

6. The Notes and Marks of the Church

7. Reconciliation, Ecumenism, and Missions

8. Theological Dialogues

9. Moving Onward

Editorial Reviews

In this study of Thomas F. Torrance’s ecclesiology, which is a revision of her doctoral dissertation, Kate Tyler accomplishes (at least) three salutary goals. She provides a compelling and appealing account of the titular Scotsman’s theological method and outlook, she demonstrates the centrality and viability of a Christological-Trinitarian focus within and for ecclesiological reflection, and in doing so she reminds us of an important area of ecumenical rapprochement.... Tyler presents an attractive and enriching vision of Thomas F. Torrance’s ecclesiology, including its idiosyncrasies, lacunae, and aporiae, to which we do well to attend. By locating the church firmly within the economy of salvation and the central mystery of the Trinity as revealed by the incarnate Christ, we are helped to recover our bearings so that we might better live out our vocation and mission.

Mission and Unity Ecclesiology: The Journal for Ministry

Kate Tyler has written a superb monograph. Rigorous in its reading of Torrance and demonstrative of the richness of his Trinitarian ecclesiology, Tyler’s study unfolds with great nuance the benefits of Torrance’s ecclesiology from above. Students of Torrance in particular and of Christian doctrine in general will benefit from engagement with this wonderful work.

Christopher Holmes

The doctrine of the church was always a central concern for Thomas F. Torrance, particularly in the context of the ecumenical dialogues in which he was involved. In this valuable study, Kate Tyler draws attention not only to the significance of ecclesiology in his writings but also to the ways in which this is situated within his Trinitarian and incarnational theology. Clear and concise, her work offers a patient exposition of Torrance while drawing illuminating comparisons with other late-twentieth century accounts of the church.

David Fergusson

In this admirable book, Kate Tyler offers the first full-length discussion of Thomas F. Torrance’s Trinitarian ecclesiology. She persuasively and consistently demonstrates the difference it makes for theology, church structure, ministry, sacraments and the church’s relations with Israel, and when the church is understood as grounded in the Trinity and not in its ecclesial structures, important as they are. Such theology is thoroughly realist while avoiding all forms of monism, dualism, and subjectivism. In this perspective, the church is understood as ‘the empirical body of Christ, viewed both in the light of God’s economic work through the Son and Spirit, and in the light of who the eternal God is in his own being.’ Implications of Torrance’s ecclesiology are helpfully presented in Tyler’s discussions of Moltmann, Tanner and Zizioulas, which are sure to generate interest. This book, which deserves to be widely read and discussed, forcefully illustrates the great potential for ecumenical dialogue when the church is understood as grounded in the eternal Trinity, a hallmark of Torrance’s theology.

Paul D. Molnar

Kate Tyler engages partly in a theological autobiography of Thomas Torrance, one of the twentieth century’s most important theologians, but more importantly she seeks to demonstrate Torrance’s unique Trinitarian approach to ecclesiology and how Torrance can be a resource for renewing the concept of communion, ecumenism, and ecclesial life today. Well-written, insightful, and useful for anyone interested in Torrancian theology or current issues in ecclesiology today.

Rev. Michael F. Bird

As appreciation of the work of Thomas F. Torrance continues to grow, so too will the value of careful and thorough studies of the broad scope and impressive coherence of his theological vision. Kate Tyler here provides such a study. She explores Torrance’s understanding of the Church, a community called into being by the Triune God and commissioned to participate in the loving service to the world offered by Jesus Christ. Readers will find here a rich account of the Church’s true nature and calling.

Murray Rae

This excellent new addition to Torrance scholarship from Kate Tyler complements the work of Lee, Habets, Maclean, Eugenio and Ziegler, and others by examining the theology of Torrance from yet another angle. Whereas other theologians might stand accused of reading their preferred ecclesiology into the doctrine of the Trinity, Tyler demonstrates the rigour with which Torrance endeavours to work from the doctrine of the Trinity to ecclesiology. This is then extended into the implications for the life and mission of the Church today. This scholarly assessment of Torrance’s work is an important one not only to students of Torrance, but for ecclesiology and mission studies today.

Thomas A. Noble

Kate Tyler engages partly in a theological autobiography of Thomas Torrance, one of the twentieth century’s most important theologians, but more importantly she seeks to demonstrate Torrance’s unique Trinitarian approach to ecclesiology and how Torrance can be a resource for renewing the concept of communion, ecumenism, and ecclesial life today. Well-written, insightful, and useful for anyone interested in Torrancian theology or current issues in ecclesiology today.

Michael F. Bird