The Oxford Handbook of Ecclesiology

Edited by Paul Avis

Oxford Handbooks

Considers the biblical resources, historical development, and contemporary initiatives in ecclesiology
Offers invaluable and comprehensive guide to understanding the Church
Features 27 chapters from leading scholars in the field

The Oxford Handbook of Ecclesiology

Edited by Paul Avis

Description

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 invaluable and comprehensive guide to understanding the Church.

The Oxford Handbook of Ecclesiology

Edited by Paul Avis

Oxford Handbooks

List of contributors
1. Introduction to Ecclesiology, Paul Avis
Part I: Biblical Foundations
2. The Ecclesiology of Israel's Scriptures, R. W. L. Moberly
3. The Church in the Synoptic Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles, Loveday Alexander
4. The Johannine vision of the Church, Andrew T. Lincoln
5. The Shape of the Pauline Churches, Edward Adams
6. The Church in the General Epistles, Gerald O'Collins, SJ
Part II: Resources from the Tradition
7. Early Ecclesiology in the West, Mark Edwards
8. The Eastern Orthodox Tradition, Andrew Louth
9. Medieval Ecclesiology and the Conciliar Movement, Norman Tanner, SJ
10. The Church in the Magisterial Reformers, Dorothea Wendebourg
11. Anglican Ecclesiology, Paul Avis
12. Roman Catholic Ecclesiology from the Council of Trent to Vatican II and Beyond, Ormond Rush
13. Baptist Concepts of the Church and their Antecedents, Paul S. Fiddes
14. Methodism and the Church, David M. Chapman
15. Pentecostal Ecclesiologies, Amos Yong
Part III: Major Modern Ecclesiologists
16. Karl Barth, Kimlyn J. Bender
17. Yves Congar, Gabriel Flynn
18. Henri de Lubac, Gabriel Flynn
19. Karl Rahner, Richard Lennan
20. Joseph Ratzinger, Theodor Dieter
21. John Zizioulas, Paul McPartlan
22. Wolfhart Pannenberg, Friederike Nussel
23. Rowan Williams, Mike Higton
Part IV: Contemporary Movements in Ecclesiology
24. Feminist Critiques, Visions, and Models of the Church, Elaine Graham
5. Social Science and Ideological Critiques of Ecclesiology, Neil Ormerod
26. Liberationist Ecclesiologies with Special Reference to Latin America, Michelle A. Gonzalez
27. Asian Ecclesiologies, Simon Chan
27. African Ecclesiologies, Stan Chu Ilo

The Oxford Handbook of Ecclesiology

Edited by Paul Avis

Oxford Handbooks

Author Information

Paul Avis 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).

Contributors:

Edward Adams
Loveday Alexander
Paul Avis
Kimlyn J. Bender
Simon Chan
David M. Chapman
Theodor Dieter
Mark Edwards
Paul S. Fiddes
Gabriel Flynn
Michelle A. Gonzalez
Elaine Graham
Mike Higton
Richard Lennan
Andrew T. Lincoln
Andrew Louth
Paul McPartlan
Walter Moberly
Friederike NÃ¼sel
L Gerald O'Collins, SJ
Ormond Rush
Norman Tanner, SJ
Dorothea Wendebourg
Amos Yong

The Oxford Handbook of Ecclesiology

Edited by Paul Avis

Oxford Handbooks

Reviews and Awards

"[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