New Testament Pattern: An Exegetical Enquiry into the 'Catholic' and 'Protestant' Dualism

Jean-Louis Leuba presents a two-fold framework of unity in the New Testament, emphasizing both institutional and personal aspects, with implications for ecumenism and broader scriptural study.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 164 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2022
Publisher: James Clarke & Co Ltd

The nature of Christian unity is a complex and multifaceted topic that requires careful examination when different Christian traditions come together in a common desire to heal the divisions that hinder the witness of the Church to the world. In addressing these questions, it is essential to give full weight to the evidence of the New Testament itself, as it provides a two-fold framework of unity that emphasizes both the institutional, traditional, and particular aspects, as well as the personal, dynamic, and universal aspects.

Jean-Louis Leuba's New Testament Pattern offers a valuable insight into this two-fold framework of unity. According to Leuba, the New Testament reveals a two-fold unity that is both institutional and personal. The institutional strand emphasizes the witness of Christ, the Apostles, and the Church to the world, with a focus on the establishment of traditions, institutions, and specific practices. On the other hand, the personal strand emphasizes the individual relationship between Jesus Christ and his followers, with a focus on the growth of faith, the experience of the Holy Spirit, and the universal call to salvation.

Despite these two distinct strands, Leuba argues that they are actually one, forming a more comprehensive and creative unity than any undifferentiated unity could be. This unity has important implications for ecumenism, as it encourages Christians from different traditions to come together in a common pursuit of Christian unity. It also has broader scriptural study implications, as it highlights the interconnectedness of the New Testament and the importance of studying it in its entirety.

In conclusion, the nature of Christian unity is a complex and multifaceted topic that requires careful examination and consideration. The evidence of the New Testament provides a two-fold framework of unity that emphasizes both the institutional and personal aspects, forming a more comprehensive and creative unity than any undifferentiated unity could be. By recognizing and valuing this two-fold unity, Christians can work towards healing the divisions that hinder the witness of the Church to the world and towards building a stronger and more united Christian community.

Weight: 264g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780227178577