BOOK REVIEW 1
An Introduction to Ecclesiology - Veli-Matti Karkkainen

Part I (Chapters 1-7)

Chapter 1: Eastern Orthodox Ecclesiology

Eastern Orthodox tradition emphasizes experience-based faith and focuses on gradual growth rather than guilt and sin very interesting. There is also a great emphasis on the Eucharist and is tied in with the church; the two cannot be separated from each other. In this same manner the work of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit are seen as simultaneous rather than exclusive.

Chapter 2: Roman Catholic Ecclesiology

Just as in the Eastern Orthodox tradition, sacraments are essential and baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist are foundational in nature. These elements create the essential communion that makes up the church body. One item I found interesting in the chapter reading was the lack of stress or focus on the significance of the pope. Although it’s mentioned that the pope was declared infallible by the Vatican I, there seemed to be a greater focus on the church as a united body.

Chapter 3: Lutheran Ecclesiology

Church is a hidden (faith) community as well as a visible (preaching and administration of sacraments) fellowship and encompasses the entire community of believers (priesthood of all believers). Foundationally the key essentials of the church are the Word and sacraments and it is through these things that the Spirit works in the life of a believer. Everything else varies from church to church. It is also important to remember that the church is a community of believers who are both saints because of their salvation but are still works in progress (sinners) until the Lord returns. The role of believers to be an example of Jesus is lived out through actions of love and justice.

Chapter 4: Reformed Ecclesiology

There is a similar belief that the foundation of the church is the Word and administration of the sacraments but along with a right order of ministry (ecclesiastical order). There is also a distinctive view that there is a clear separation between the church and state. The Eucharistic theology is that the church and Eucharist is mutual. There were two existing tensions within the church regarding in regards to church authority and stress on personal faith as a test of the elect.

Chapter 5: Free Church Ecclesiology

There is a great movement away from hierarchical model of church to participative models. There are criticisms that the Anabaptists devalued Scripture and replaced it with a reliance on the Holy Spirit. However, it is more accurate to conclude that there is a distinctive relationship between the Spirit and Scripture. There is also an emphasis on community versus individualism. Along this line is the foundation that mission and evangelization is the main purpose of the church life.

Chapter 6: Pentecostal/Charismatic Ecclesiology

“Pentecostalism represents a grassroots spiritual movement rather than a novel theological construction. It has not so much produced a new theology as a new kind of spirituality and aggressive new evangelism methods.”

Worship is an essential essence of their service and represents the “presence of God” and exercising the spiritual gifts. But it’s important to know that Jesus and God in the power of the Holy Spirit is the center of worship. The ecclesiology is more about lived reality rather than thematized theology and a community of believers gathered together for mutual edification.

Chapter 7: Ecumenical Movement Ecclesiology

The foundation is the belief that the church encompasses the unity of all Christians and churches. It is not about human effort but a mandate from God. Although there are various views of what unity among Christians mean, there seems to be a consensus of unity of the church in the unity of the triune God and apostolic tradition-the ecumenical imperative. Great amount of tension regarding the idea of proselytizing versus an individual’s right to religious freedom.

Part II (Chapters 8-14)

Chapter 8: Communion Ecclesiology-John Zizioulas

The Eucharist is the foundational act of the church and makes the church. The presence of a bishop is a necessary condition for the local church to be able to celebrate the Eucharist. It is the Eucharist that is the main liturgical act. It is believed that the church in and of itself is institute by Christ and constituted by the Spirit.

Chapter 9: Charismatic Ecclesiology – Hans Kung

Kung’s viewpoint is very similar to that of Luther’s in respect to the church being a community made up of sinful men and women and always being in need of forgiveness. Therefore this leads to the understanding of believing the church rather than in the church since it is about the community of believers.

Chapter 10: Universal Ecclesiology – Wolfhart Pannenberg

Pannenberg is considered a Lutheran theologian. He considers the church to be the anticipation of the kingdom of God. He believes in the inclusion of election within the community of believers.

Chapter 11: Messianic Ecclesiology – Jurgen Moltmann

There is an emphasis in Moltmann’s doctrine that the church is a messianic and relational ecclesiology. The church is also considered a body of equals, an open fellowship of friends.

Chapter 12: Participatory Ecclesiology – Miroslav Volf

There is a mutual interdependence of local and universal church.

Chapter 13: Baptist Ecclesiology – James McClendon Jr.

The character of the church is a tangible, local gathering. There is also a strong tie between the church and Jewish heritage.

Chapter 14: Missionary Ecclesiology – Lesslie Newbigin

The doctrine that church’s essential nature if missionary as opposed to mission being a task given to the church.

Part III (Chapter 15-16)

Chapter 15: Non-Church Movement in Asia

The hidden church movements amongst laity

Chapter 16: Bare Ecclesial Communities in Latin America

Social justice and liberation theology