Engaging Ecclesiology: Papers from the Edinburgh Dogmatics Conference 2021
Ebook
The Edinburgh Dogmatics Conference (EDC) takes place every second year. The Rutherford Centre for Reformed Theology, which runs the conference, has a present interest in studying the doctrine of the church (ecclesiology). After two years of pandemic, when most churches began to take new forms or develop new ways of meeting, many questions are being asked: What is the church, and what is it for? Is it a core element of Christianity, or is it an optional extra? Does the doctrine of the church flow out of our understanding of God and the gospel, or is it to be viewed socially and pragmatically? Are the historic marks of the church still relevant to today's discussions? This volume contains the papers given at the 2021 EDC. Here we have eight significant theologians exploring the nature and function of the church in ways that are challenging and thought-provoking. Continuing the study of ecclesiology, the 2023 EDC will address the subject of the Holy Spirit and the church, and in 2025 the subject will be creeds, confessions, and the church.
“Renewed attention to the doctrine of the church is a notable feature of recent Protestant works of systematic theology. This collection offers an array of informed and insightful essays that not only address but also develop the current dialogue in creative ways. This volume thus marks a warmly welcome addition to the ongoing conversation.”
—Paul T. Nimmo, University of Aberdeen
“With so many controversies, scandals, and stories of deconstruction, it is hard to think of an area in theology that has as much cynicism swirling around it these days as ecclesiology; that means it is exactly the time for us to revisit the topic. Thankfully, this volume brings trusted voices together to remind us of the indispensability of the church for Christian faith and life.”
—Kelly M. Kapic, Covenant College
“Not only is the Christian church in the West in freefall, but the face of the church is rapidly changing because of compromises with the world’s agenda and the reaction of people who vote with their feet. The authors of these valuable studies take these current problems on board. With insightful analysis, they draw on the riches of Scripture and the historic Christian tradition to suggest new paths. A challenging read for all those concerned by the question—Wither the church?”
—Paul Wells, Faculté Jean Calvin, emeritus
“Engaging Ecclesiology alerts us to questions, texts, conversations, and challenges that are important for ecclesiology in the twenty-first century. It will be a help to Reformed Christians of various stripes and even to many from other traditions as it models a multi-aspectival analysis of the doctrine of church.”
—Michael Allen, Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando
“As the first edition of the newly conceived Rutherford Centre for Reformed Theology, Engaging Ecclesiology brings together eight essays from significant British scholars, each reflecting on the nature, identity, formation, and challenges of the Reformed church and churches more generally. In a world of miserable deconstruction, this volume is a work of constructive dogmatics. The abiding theme of the essays is hope and a confident, but realistic, view of the church.”
—Myk Habets, Laidlaw College
- Title: Engaging Ecclesiology: Papers from the Edinburgh Dogmatics Conference 2021
- Author: A. T. B. McGowan
- Publisher: Pickwick Publications
- Print Publication Date: 2023
- Logos Release Date: 2023
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781666720723, 9781666728699, 1666728691, 9781666720716, 1666720712, 1666720720
- Resource ID: LLS:9781666720723
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2023-07-20T11:01:08Z