This co-authored volume is the outcome of an ecumenical speaking and listening that has involved a continuing conversation between four theologians over a period of more than two years. The scholars are active members of the mainline churches in the UK, Anglican, Methodist and Roman Catholic. They propose that the Church will live as it grows in self-understanding, in the light of the claim that her purpose is to focus attention on God, Creator, Redeemer, and Living Presence. In so doing they address key debates in the US and European contexts, as well as dealing with matters of pressing concern in the wider global church. What does it mean to say that the Church in herself and on behalf of the world bears witness to and celebrates the presence of God in contemporary ethics, worship, governance and mission? The authors have sought to bridge the gap between theoretical and practical theology, and ecclesiology. Key features are accessability, the highly pertinent nature of the themes it covers, its academic purpose and its awareness of the parish and ministerial contexts.
Introduction
Part One: Attending to the Creator
Giving Attention to God
The World as Creation: The God Given Context of God's Glory
Part Two: Encountering Christ
The Enlightenment and Certainty
Hermeneutics and Ecclesiology
Joy in the Presence of the Crucified
Part Three: Living in the Spirit
Ecclesiology and Ethics
Context and Community
Worship and Community
Governance: The Basis of Faithfulness
Afterword: Missio Dei
The Gift of Mission