The Turn to The Church in The Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries: A Promising Ecclesiology

This book explores the renewed theological focus on ecclesiology and the practices of the church in light of the diminishing role of the church in Western society. It analyzes key works by John Milbank, Stanley Hauerwas, and Nicholas Healy and compares them to an earlier phase in church history. The volume outlines how a church-centred theology can assist the church in inhabiting an increasingly 'post-Christian world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the recent resurgence of theological interest in ecclesiology and the practices of the church, particularly in the context of the declining influence of the church in Western society over the past century. It explores how theologians have come to view church life as an integral part of faith and theological reflection. The chapters analyze key works by renowned scholars such as John Milbank, Stanley Hauerwas, and Nicholas Healy, and engage them in conversation with an earlier phase in church history. The historical comparison centers on the renewal of ecclesiology in Roman Catholic theology during the early twentieth century, exemplified by figures like Romano Guardini, Odo Casel, and Henri de Lubac. By outlining how the present "turn to the church" holds promise, the volume offers readers a valuable sketch of how a church-centered theology can assist the church in navigating an increasingly "post-Christian" world.

Introduction:
The church has played a central role in shaping religious and cultural identities throughout history. However, in recent decades, its influence has been declining in many parts of the world. This decline has led to a renewed theological focus on ecclesiology, which examines the nature, structure, and practices of the church. In this book, we will explore the recent renewed theological focus on ecclesiology and the practices of the church.

The Declining Role of the Church in Western Society:
Over the past century, the church has faced numerous challenges that have contributed to its diminishing role in Western society. These challenges include secularization, globalization, and the rise of new religious movements. As a result, many people have lost their faith in traditional religious institutions and have turned to alternative forms of spirituality or atheism.

Theological Reflection on the Importance of the Church:
Despite these challenges, theologians have come to view the church as essential to faith and theological thinking. They argue that the church provides a community of believers who can support each other in their spiritual journey and provide a sense of belonging and purpose. The church also plays a crucial role in shaping moral and ethical values, and in promoting social justice and peace.

Key Works by John Milbank, Stanley Hauerwas, and Nicholas Healy:
In this book, we will analyze key works by John Milbank, Stanley Hauerwas, and Nicholas Healy, who are prominent figures in the field of ecclesiology. These works include "Theology and Social Theory," "The Peace of God," and "The Christian Faith." We will examine how these works address the challenges facing the church and offer insights into how the church can respond to these challenges.

The Renewal of Ecclesiology in Roman Catholic Theology:
The historical comparison in this book focuses on the renewal of ecclesiology in Roman Catholic theology in the early twentieth century. This renewal was driven by a desire to reclaim the church's traditional role as a center of spiritual and cultural life. Theologians such as Romano Guardini, Odo Casel, and Henri de Lubac played a significant role in this renewal, emphasizing the importance of the church as a community of believers and the role of the priesthood in shaping the church's identity.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book investigates the recent renewed theological focus on ecclesiology and the practices of the church. It explores how theologians have come to view church life as essential to faith and theological thinking, even in the face of declining influence in Western society. The historical comparison highlights the renewal of ecclesiology in Roman Catholic theology in the early twentieth century, and offers insights into how a church-centered theology can assist the church in inhabiting an increasingly "post-Christian" world.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032100654