The Emerging Church

The Emerging Church offers an overview, not of the theological teachings that developed in the apostolic Church, but of its liturgical life and social organisation. The distinction is not of course absolute, since the character of Christian communities reflected the beliefs they held. At least a partial answer is offered to such questions as: How numerous were the Christians? Who were they? Where did they meet, and when? What did they do in their gatherings? How were links maintained across the Roman world - and with the apostles themselves? What was the attraction for potential converts? Was there any mission strategy? Since today's Church often presents a striking contrast, the hope is that awareness of earlier - and varied - expressions of its corporate life may induce greater sympathy among contemporary Christians (especially perhaps those who are Catholics) for flexibility and pastoral sensitivity. If doctrine is not at stake, there are precedents for some latitude in the practice of the faith and of its worship.
Although such an 'inculturated' approach has many advocates, it is the author's experience that they are liable to be countered by reference to traditions of the Church rather more recent in origin. This book therefore seeks to provide a broad sweep of material which, based largely upon the canonical record and upon apostolic customs, is less easy to dismiss. Indeed, it suggests that the New Testament itself contains passages with hitherto unappreciated relevance.