The Oxford Handbook of Ecclesiology

by Paul Avis (Editor)

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198837466
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	04/28/2022
Series:	Oxford Handbooks
Pages:	672
Product dimensions:	9.81(w) x 6.84(h) x 1.41(d)

About the Author

Paul Avis, Honorary Research Fellow, Department of Theology and Religion, University of Exeter

bPaul Avis/b is a priest in the Church of England. He was Honorary Visiting Professor in the Department of Theology and Religion, Exeter University, 2008-17. He is editor-in-chief of Ecclesiology. His publications include Reshaping Ecumenical Theology: The Church Made Whole?, The Identity of Anglicanism: Essentials of Anglican Ecclesiology (2008), and A Ministry Shaped by Mission (2005).

Table of Contents

List of contributors1. Introduction to Ecclesiology, Paul AvisPart I: Biblical Foundations2. The Ecclesiology of Israel's Scriptures, R. W. L. Moberly3. The Church in the Synoptic Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles, Loveday Alexander4. The Johannine vision of the Church, Andrew T. Lincoln5. The Shape of the Pauline Churches, Edward Adams6. The Church in the General Epistles, Gerald O'Collins, SJPart II: Resources from the Tradition7. Early Ecclesiology in the West, Mark Edwards8. The Eastern Orthodox Tradition, Andrew Louth9. Medieval Ecclesiology and the Conciliar Movement, Norman Tanner, SJ10. The Church in the Magisterial Reformers, Dorothea Wendebourg11. Anglican Ecclesiology, Paul Avis12. Roman Catholic Ecclesiology from the Council of Trent to Vatican II and Beyond, Ormond Rush13. Baptist Concepts of the Church and their Antecedents, Paul S. Fiddes14. Methodism and the Church, David M. Chapman15. Pentecostal Ecclesiologies, Amos YongPart III: Major Modern Ecclesiologists16. Karl Barth, Kimlyn J. Bender17. Yves Congar, Gabriel Flynn18. Henri de Lubac, Gabriel Flynn19. Karl Rahner, Richard Lennan20. Joseph Ratzinger, Theodor Dieter21. John Zizioulas, Paul McPartlan22. Wolfhart Pannenberg, Friederike Nüssel23. Rowan Williams, Mike HigtonPart IV: Contemporary Movements in Ecclesiology24. Feminist Critiques, Visions, and Models of the Church, Elaine Graham25. Social Science and Ideological Critiques of Ecclesiology, Neil Ormerod26. Liberationist Ecclesiologies with Special Reference to Latin America, Michelle A. Gonzalez27. Asian Ecclesiologies, Simon Chan28. African Ecclesiologies, Stan Chu Ilo

Editorial Reviews

"The richness of the articles in this volume adds a tremendous contribution to the current issues in ecclesiological and ecumenical studies. Also to be noted for their scholarly value are the bibliographies and suggested lists of reading at the end of each chapter." — Denis Fortin, Andrews University , AUSS

"Clear in presentation, ecumenical in tone, this volume meets and exceeds the standards of academic reference volumes." — Justin L. McLendon, Calvin Theological Journal

"[This book] will be widely and profitably used. For all this, we can be grateful for this volume and its organizing editor, Paul Avis." — Bruce Kaye, Charles Sturt University, Canberra, Theology

"What is covered is rich, worth engaging with, and speaks of the depth and wealth of the Church." — Revd. Mark Ord, BMS World Mission, Journal of European Baptist Studies

"this is a fine work, an asset to a library. It is a full and accessible introduction to a part of the theological enterprise which is not studied enough." — Christopher Lewis, Ecclesiastical Law Journal

"...this volume presents a constructive contribution to ecclesiological scholarship. The Oxford Handbook of Ecclesiology stands as a worthy addition to any theological collection." — Simon R. Wayte, Theological Studies

"The Oxford Handbook of Ecclesiology will be a useful addition to any theological library. The writing throughout is approachable. The bibliographical resources are excellent. Students who dip in in haste will find here every encouragement to explore more widely." — Nicholas Sagovsky, Church Times

"Avis's accomplishment in assembling this volume will be a lasting one, and it could easily be a foundational text for seminaries and other institutions of theological learning ... serve[s] simultaneously as introductions and deep-dive seams of engagement, and should become standard reference works." — Richard J. Mammana, The Living Church

"The Oxford Handbook of Ecclesiology is an excellent addition to a reference library for graduate students, scholars of religion, or ministers looking to consult major ecclesiological figures, traditions, and trends. It is valuable to both specialists within ecclesiology as well as theologians specializing in other areas of study. As with other entries in The Oxford Handbook Series, the bibliographical suggestions are excellent resources." — Annie Selak, Reading Religion

"Recommended." — CHOICE

"Avis has put all of us in his debt by the many stimulating works he has produced. This outstanding work is a tribute to his ability and dedication." —Paul Richardson, Church of England Newspaper

From the Publisher