Christ, Church, and World: Bonhoeffer and Lutheran Ecclesiology after Christendom

The North American church is identified by three fundamental relationships: Christ-church-world, according to Theodore J. Hopkins. He establishes a framework for the church's mission in the world that flows from Christ's relationship to the church and the world, and illuminates the changing relationship between the church and the world in Bonhoeffer's works. Hopkins contends that the church is both distinct from the world and in solidarity with it in the dynamic of the crucified Lord Jesus, who is present in Word, Sacrament, and community as the Risen One. Preaching and teaching the Gospel identifies the church and calls it to faithfulness in Christ's mission.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 11 October 2021
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

The North American church faces a significant challenge as it navigates the evolving landscape of a post-Christian society. In his book, "The Church in the Post-Christian Era," Theodore J. Hopkins offers a compelling argument that the church can be defined by three fundamental relationships: Christ-church-world. By delving into the Christological center of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's theology, Hopkins establishes a framework for the church's mission in the world that stems from Christ's relationship with both the church and the world. This Christological framework also sheds light on the evolving relationship between the church and the world in Bonhoeffer's writings, as seen in the distinction between discipleship and ethics.

According to Hopkins, the church stands apart from the world while also being in solidarity with it through the dynamic of the crucified Lord Jesus, who took the form of a servant and is present in the Word, Sacrament, and community as the Risen One. He envisions the church within the narrative of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of preaching and teaching the Gospel as a means to identify the church and call it to faithful adherence to Christ's own mission.

The church is created to see itself and the world through the lens of Jesus and is empowered to carry out Christ's mission of witness and service in the world. This transformative vision of the church offers a way forward for believers as they seek to navigate the complexities of a post-Christian society and remain faithful to their calling as followers of Jesus.

Weight: 562g
Dimension: 227 x 163 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978708587