Charles Taylor and Anglican Theology: Aesthetic Ecclesiology

This book explores Charles Taylor's work from a theological perspective, highlighting his "Aesthetic Ecclesiology" that values the aesthetic and incorporates it into self-understanding and practice. It argues that Taylor's work complements the accounts of John Milbank and radical orthodoxy, providing a way of thinking about the Church that is rooted in a material and historical legacy. The aesthetic, according to the book, provides the Church with a powerful apologetic, as beauty cannot be reduced to secular materialism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 23 September 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book delves into the theological realm, exploring the profound insights of Charles Taylor concerning the concept of ecclesiology. It argues that Taylor, alongside notable thinkers like John Milbank and Rowan Williams, advocates for an "Aesthetic Ecclesiology," a perspective that holds immense value for the aesthetic and incorporates it into the very essence of its self-understanding and practices.

Jamie Franklin, in his insightful analysis, posits that Taylor's work offers a profound account of the breakdown in Modernity of the conceptual relationship between the immanent and the transcendent. At the same time, John Milbank and the radical orthodoxy provide a complementary account of the secular, approached from a more metaphysical angle. Franklin further integrates the valuable contributions of Rowan Williams, offering a way of thinking about the Church that is firmly rooted in a material and historical legacy.

The central thesis of this book is that the reconnection of the transcendent and the immanent aligns with a comprehensive understanding of the Church that encompasses the tangible reality of the sacraments, the significance of artistic beauty and craftsmanship, and the Church's status as a historical, global, and eschatological entity. Moreover, the aesthetic emerges as a powerful tool in the Church's apologetic arsenal, as beauty cannot be reduced to the confines of secular materialism. It demands a recourse to transcendent categories to fully comprehend its essence.

Through this comprehensive exploration, the book sheds light on the profound ways in which the aesthetic can enrich and enhance the Church's mission and witness. It encourages readers to embrace the beauty that surrounds us and to see the Church as a vibrant tapestry of faith, tradition, and artistic expression. By valuing the aesthetic, the Church can communicate its message more effectively, reaching hearts and minds in a way that is both meaningful and captivating.

In conclusion, this book offers a thought-provoking and enriching perspective on the role of the aesthetic in ecclesiology. It encourages readers to explore the depths of the Church's relationship with the aesthetic and to recognize its potential as a powerful tool for theological inquiry, spiritual growth, and cultural engagement. As we navigate the complexities of our contemporary world, the insights provided in this book offer a roadmap for building a more vibrant and inclusive Church that resonates with the diverse tapestry of humanity.

Weight: 313g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030821081
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021