Description
The Oxford Handbook of Ecclesiology is a unique scholarly resource for the study of the Christian Church as we find it in the Bible, in history, and today. As the scholarly study of how we understand the Christian Church's identity and mission, ecclesiology is at the centre of today's theological research, reflection, and debate. Ecclesiology is the theological driver of the ecumenical movement. The main focus of the intense ecumenical engagement and dialogue of the past half-century has been ecclesiological and this is the area where the most intractable differences remain to be tackled. Ecclesiology investigates the Church's manifold self-understanding in relation to a number of areas: the origins, structures, authority, doctrine, ministry, sacraments, unity, diversity, and mission of the Church, including its relation to the state and to society and culture. The sources of ecclesiological reflection are the Bible (interpreted in the light of scholarly research), Church history, and the wealth of the Christian theological tradition, together with the information and insights that emerge from other relevant academic disciplines. This Handbook considers the biblical resources, historical development, and contemporary initiatives in ecclesiology. It offers an invaluable and comprehensive guide to understanding the Church.
About the Author
Paul Avis is a priest in the Church of England. He was Honorary Visiting Professor in the Department of Theology and Religion, Exeter University, 2008-17. He is editor-in-chief of Ecclesiology. His publications include Reshaping Ecumenical Theology: The Church Made Whole?, The Identity of Anglicanism: Essentials of Anglican Ecclesiology (2008), and A Ministry Shaped by Mission (2005).
Reviews
Clear in presentation, ecumenical in tone, this volume meets and exceeds the standards of academic reference volumes. * Justin L. McLendon, Calvin Theological Journal *
[This book] will be widely and profitably used. For all this, we can be grateful for this volume and its organizing editor, Paul Avis. * Bruce Kaye, Charles Sturt University, Canberra, Theology *
What is covered is rich, worth engaging with, and speaks of the depth and wealth of the Church. * Revd. Mark Ord, BMS World Mission, Journal of European Baptist Studies *
this is a fine work, an asset to a library. It is a full and accessible introduction to a part of the theological enterprise which is not studied enough. * Christopher Lewis, Ecclesiastical Law Journal *
...this volume presents a constructive contribution to ecclesiological scholarship. The Oxford Handbook of Ecclesiology stands as a worthy addition to any theological collection. * Simon R. Wayte, Theological Studies *
The Oxford Handbook of Ecclesiology will be a useful addition to any theological library. The writing throughout is approachable. The bibliographical resources are excellent. Students who dip in in haste will find here every encouragement to explore more widely. * Nicholas Sagovsky, Church Times *
Avis's accomplishment in assembling this volume will be a lasting one, and it could easily be a foundational text for seminaries and other institutions of theological learning ... serve[s] simultaneously as introductions and deep-dive seams of engagement, and should become standard reference works. * Richard J. Mammana, The Living Church *
The Oxford Handbook of Ecclesiology is an excellent addition to a reference library for graduate students, scholars of religion, or ministers looking to consult major ecclesiological figures, traditions, and trends. It is valuable to both specialists within ecclesiology as well as theologians specializing in other areas of study. As with other entries in the Oxford Handbook series, the bibliographical suggestions are excellent resources. * Annie Selak, Reading Religion *
Recommended. * CHOICE *
Avis has put all of us in his debt by the many stimulating works he has produced. This outstanding work is a tribute to his ability and dedication. * Paul Richardson, Church of England Newspaper *
Book Information
ISBN 9780198837466
Author Paul Avis
Format Paperback
Page Count 672
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 1138g
Dimensions(mm) 245mm * 170mm * 34mm
About the Author
Paul Avis is a priest in the Church of England. He was Honorary Visiting Professor in the Department of Theology and Religion, Exeter University, 2008-17. He is editor-in-chief of Ecclesiology. His publications include Reshaping Ecumenical Theology: The Church Made Whole?, The Identity of Anglicanism: Essentials of Anglican Ecclesiology (2008), and A Ministry Shaped by Mission (2005).
Reviews
Clear in presentation, ecumenical in tone, this volume meets and exceeds the standards of academic reference volumes. * Justin L. McLendon, Calvin Theological Journal *
[This book] will be widely and profitably used. For all this, we can be grateful for this volume and its organizing editor, Paul Avis. * Bruce Kaye, Charles Sturt University, Canberra, Theology *
What is covered is rich, worth engaging with, and speaks of the depth and wealth of the Church. * Revd. Mark Ord, BMS World Mission, Journal of European Baptist Studies *
this is a fine work, an asset to a library. It is a full and accessible introduction to a part of the theological enterprise which is not studied enough. * Christopher Lewis, Ecclesiastical Law Journal *
...this volume presents a constructive contribution to ecclesiological scholarship. The Oxford Handbook of Ecclesiology stands as a worthy addition to any theological collection. * Simon R. Wayte, Theological Studies *
The Oxford Handbook of Ecclesiology will be a useful addition to any theological library. The writing throughout is approachable. The bibliographical resources are excellent. Students who dip in in haste will find here every encouragement to explore more widely. * Nicholas Sagovsky, Church Times *
Avis's accomplishment in assembling this volume will be a lasting one, and it could easily be a foundational text for seminaries and other institutions of theological learning ... serve[s] simultaneously as introductions and deep-dive seams of engagement, and should become standard reference works. * Richard J. Mammana, The Living Church *
The Oxford Handbook of Ecclesiology is an excellent addition to a reference library for graduate students, scholars of religion, or ministers looking to consult major ecclesiological figures, traditions, and trends. It is valuable to both specialists within ecclesiology as well as theologians specializing in other areas of study. As with other entries in the Oxford Handbook series, the bibliographical suggestions are excellent resources. * Annie Selak, Reading Religion *
Recommended. * CHOICE *
Avis has put all of us in his debt by the many stimulating works he has produced. This outstanding work is a tribute to his ability and dedication. * Paul Richardson, Church of England Newspaper *
Book Information
ISBN 9780198837466
Author Paul Avis
Format Paperback
Page Count 672
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 1138g
Dimensions(mm) 245mm * 170mm * 34mm
