Ecclesiology PDF

Ecclesiology ▪ Ecclesiology is the theological study of the Christian Church. It involves exploring the nature, structure, purpose, and mission of the Church as it is understood in Christian doctrine. ▪ Karl Barth notes that one of the several ways in which the church witnesses to Christ is...

Ecclesiology ▪ Ecclesiology is the theological study of the Christian Church. It involves exploring the nature, structure, purpose, and mission of the Church as it is understood in Christian doctrine. ▪ Karl Barth notes that one of the several ways in which the church witnesses to Christ is by its existence. Barth emphasized the sovereignty of God, the importance of the Word of God, and the significance of Christology in Christian theology. Karl Barth (1886-1968) is known for his monumental work "Church Dogmatics” and his role in the development of “neo-orthodox theology”. Church Dogmatics is a major theological work that is a comprehensive and systematic treatment of Christian theology. Christology is the branch of Christian theology that focuses on the person, nature, and work of Jesus Christ. ▪ There is a lack of understanding of the basic nature of this entity called the church. The word church can be used to refer to a denomination, the physical structure, or a body of believers. This causes confusion. ▪ In 1948 it was claimed that the doctrine of the church had received very little attention. The ecumenical movement has thrusted the church into the fore. The ecumenical movement is a global initiative aimed at promoting unity and cooperation among different Christian denominations and traditions. The goal of the ecumenical movement is to foster dialogue, understanding, and collaboration among Christians of various backgrounds, with the ultimate aim of working towards greater unity and commonality in faith and practice. Overall, the ecumenical movement seeks to emphasize the shared beliefs that unite Christians across denominational boundaries while respecting the diversity that exists within the Christian faith. The ecumenical movement emphasises the relationship of churches to one another. ▪ Traditionally the church was seen as distinct from the world and the church us supposed to transform the world. The church was seen as the repository of Grace. The church possesses the gospel and salvation. ▪ The church is no longer since by many as God’s special agent in the world; there is the belief that God relates to the world in other dynamical ways and God works through other entities and institutions. Emphasis is on what God is doing and not what God is like. ▪ The church is now viewed as dynamic. Seeking to define the church in terms of dynamics activity causes problems. ▪ John McCory historical figure. ▪ The earliest periods of the church was normative coming out of the new testament into the medieval. Church should be a place where people voluntarily come. The church is far more than a social institution and must be defined beyond social understanding. ▪ The word church seldom occurs in the context of the new testament. 1 Peter deals with the nature and significance of the old testament community. The meaning of the new testament context of church as to be seen in terms of two background; that of classical Geek and new testament. In classical Greek the word ecclesia reference to an assembly of persons and citizens of a particular city. (Acts 19 32 39 41) Ecclesia, Gahal and Edah ▪ In Christian theology, "ecclesia" is a Greek word that is commonly translated as "church" in English. The term is used to refer to a community or assembly of believers, typically in a religious context. But traditionally it means assembly of citizens of a city. Full citizens could vote on certain matters. Acts 19:32, 39, 41 Context: These verses refer to a secular assembly (translated as "assembly" instead of "church"). Acts 19:32: "The assembly (ekklesia) was in confusion..." Acts 19:39: "If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly (ekklesia)." Acts 19:41: "After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly (ekklesia)." In this context, ekklesia refers to a civic gathering in Ephesus during the riot sparked by the silversmiths. ▪ Only in three instances within classical Geek in the bible the word ecclesia referred to a religious fellowship(not to gathering itself but to the business transaction), Cultic gathering. ▪ In Hebrew, "Gahal" (‫ )גח"ל‬doesn’t mean "assembly," but political groups or coalitions are sometimes referred to as gatherings or assemblies. Gahal is a general assembly or gathering of troops. ▪ Edah – Exodus chapter 12 – community of persons cantered around the Law or the cult. ▪ In Jewish tradition, the term "Edah" (‫ )עֵ ָדה‬typically refers to a community or congregation of Jewish individuals who come together for religious, social, or communal purposes. The concept of Edah is rooted in the Hebrew Bible and has significance in various contexts within Judaism. ▪ Here are a few contexts in which the term "Edah" is used: Biblical Context: In the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the Torah, "Edah" is used to refer to the congregation of Israel or a group of people assembled for a specific purpose, such as worship or receiving divine instruction. Historical Context: In Jewish history, an Edah could refer to a specific group or assembly within the Jewish community, often organized around shared beliefs, practices, or affiliations. Modern Usage: In contemporary Jewish communities, the term "Edah" may be used to describe a congregation or community of worshippers affiliated with a particular synagogue or sect within Judaism. Ecclesia is the root word of what we now call the church ▪ Paul uses the term the most, addressing a group of believers in a specific city. ▪ A gathering of believes in a particular place. Ecclesia is a secular word. ▪ There are references to churches meeting in peoples homes. ▪ Act 9:31 so the church throughout all Judia ▪ 1 Corinthians ▪ Each gathering is the church. ▪ Each community however small represents the whole of the church. The church does not have individual components 1 Cor. 1:2 ▪ The church has a certain inclusiveness. The church is the whole body of those who through the death of Christ has been saved reconciled and united through the body of Christ. (dead or alive) (995 words)  Pauline Trinitarian concept of the church ▪ Arthur wainwright – indicated that Paul writings reflects the trinitarianism in the church; implicit in the description of the church, people of God, body of Christ, Temple of the spirit. Arthur Wainwright was a notable British theologian and biblical scholar known for his significant contributions to the field of New Testament studies. People of God ▪ People of God: Church belongs to God and God belongs to them. ▪ God takes pride in them, He takes care of them God keeps them as the apple of his eye. ▪ He expects them to be his people without any dividing loyalty. All the people of God are marked. Circumcision was a part of that sign. ▪ God expected his people to be pure and sanctified. ▪ The term "People of God" is a concept found in various religious traditions, but it is particularly significant in Christianity and Judaism. It refers to the community of believers or followers who are considered to be chosen, called, or set apart by God for a special purpose. Here are some key points about the "People of God" within the context of Christianity: 1. Biblical Basis: In the Christian faith, the concept of the People of God is rooted in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament where the Israelites are frequently referred to as the chosen people of God. In the New Testament, the term is expanded to include all believers in Jesus Christ. 2. Unity in Diversity: The People of God in Christianity is seen as a diverse community of individuals from various backgrounds, cultures, and nations who are united in their faith in Jesus Christ. 3. Common Identity: Believers are considered part of the People of God through their faith in Jesus Christ, sharing a common identity as children of God and members of the body of Christ. The body of Christ ▪ The church as the body of Christ is seen as the locus of Christ activity. It emphasises the connection of the church as a group of believers in Christ. ▪ Christ in the believer is the basis of belief and hope. ▪ Christ is the head of the church  1. Christ as the Head: In this analogy, Christ is often referred to as the head of the Body, signifying His authority and leadership over the Church. Believers, as members of the Body, are called to follow Christ's teachings and example. 2. Mission and Service: The Body of Christ is called to carry out the mission of Christ on earth, which includes sharing the Gospel, serving others, and demonstrating God's love to the world. Each member plays a vital role in fulfilling this mission. 3. Mutual Interdependence: The Body of Christ highlights the idea that believers are interconnected and dependent on one another. Each member contributes to the well-being and growth of the entire body, emphasizing the importance of community and mutual support. 4. Spiritual Growth: Believers within the Body of Christ are encouraged to support one another, build each other up in faith, and help one another grow spiritually. This communal aspect is essential for the maturation and edification of individual believers. Temple of the spirit The church is the creation of the spirit The spirit continues to populate the church Overall, the idea of believers being the "Temple of the Spirit" highlights the intimate relationship between God and His people, emphasizing the sacredness of each believer as a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit and the call to live in a manner that honours God in all things. Under the impulse of the Spirit the church grows. Peter preaching at Pentecost. 1. Symbol of God's Presence: The metaphor of believers being the "Temple of the Spirit" symbolizes the presence of God within each individual believer. It signifies that each person is a sacred dwelling place where God's Spirit resides. 2. Holiness and Sanctification: The concept of believers as the "Temple of the Spirit" underscores the call to live lives that are holy and set apart for God. Believers are encouraged to honour God in all aspects of their lives, recognizing the sacredness of their bodies and their role as vessels of the Holy Spirit. Marks of the Church The "marks of the Church" are characteristics or qualities traditionally attributed to the Christian Church, often based on interpretations of the New Testament. These marks are believed to reflect essential features that identify and define the true Church of Christ. The most commonly recognized marks of the Church are unity, holiness, catholicity, and apostolicity. 1. One (Unity): The unity of the Church signifies that all believers are united in Christ. This unity is not just a visible unity but also a spiritual unity among all true believers. It reflects Jesus' prayer for unity among his followers in John 17:20-23. 2. Holy (Holiness): The holiness of the Church refers to the idea that it is set apart for God's purposes and is called to reflect the holiness of God. Believers are called to live in a way that is pleasing to God and reflects His character. 3. Catholic (Universality): The catholicity of the Church emphasizes its universal nature and mission. The Church is not limited by geographical, cultural, or societal boundaries but is meant to reach all people with the message of the Gospel. 4. Apostolic (Apostolicity): The apostolicity of the Church stresses its connection to the teachings and mission of the apostles. This includes maintaining the teachings of the apostles as handed down through Scripture and tradition and being sent out on a mission to continue the work of the apostles. The word church only occurs twice in the context of the gospel. Both times in Matthew. 1. Matthew 16:18 "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." This occurs after Peter confesses Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus uses this moment to declare Peter's foundational role in the establishment of the Christian community, the "church." 2. Matthew 18:17 "If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector." This appears in the context of resolving conflicts among believers. Jesus advises bringing disputes to the "church" as a final step in seeking resolution, emphasizing the role of the community in maintaining accountability and unity. These references suggest an emerging concept of the church as a spiritual assembly or body of believers, which later became central to Christian theology. Why is the word church is so absent from the gospels. Questions to ask 1. Did Jesus intend to create a church or was he just preaching the kingdom of God? 2. Do we have any evidence to support the idea that this is what Jesus wanted? 3. Is the church in opposition to Jesus? To answer these questions we must go to the gospels. However, the gospels are historical records are unreliable. They are testimonies of the faith communities. They were written long after Jesus’ life. Mark 1:15 gives us a summary of what Jesus intended. The kingdom of God is central to Jesus’ teaching. "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!" Eschatology explores topics related to the end of the world, the final judgment, the afterlife, and the fulfilment of God's purpose for creation. ▪ Realized eschatology: Something that is to happen at the end of time but is currently being made real. ▪ C.H. Dodd (Charles Harold Dodd) was a prominent 20th-century British New Testament scholar. Dodd is best known for advocating a realized eschatology, which emphasized that the Kingdom of God is not just a future event but a present reality brought by the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. He speaks of the kingdom of God as already present. ▪ Albert Schweitzer also supported realised eschatology. ▪ Jesus said that the kingdom would be realized at the end of time. ▪ Consistent eschatology (Kingdom of God will be realized at the end): A theological approach that emphasizes the continuity of God's promises from the first coming of Christ through His death and resurrection, to their future fulfilment at His second coming. ▪ The kingdom of God refers to the rule or reign of God, encompassing both a present reality and a future hope. ▪ The kingdom of God is a sovereign act of God. It is what God is going in the lives of people. The Kingdom of God is not earthly, national, not religious political theocracy. ▪ The kingdom of God is a religious kingdom. It is not about vengeance, it is about peace and joy. It is a kingdom that is to be understood as something positive rather than negative. It was open to all. It was open to rich, poor and open to everyone. However, it did have a bias to the poor. ▪ For a person to participate in this it requires the person to be ready. ▪ It is out of this kingdom preaching that the church actually emerged. The evidence presented really give us no satisfactory solution to the problems concerning the church. ▪ In the pre-easter period before the resurrection, Jesus did not establish any church. Jesus was a Jew and was never a Christian. Jesus did not go around trying to put a church together. ▪ He rejected withdrawal from the world. It was a protest against religious separation. His mission was to all. ▪ Catholic theologian Hans Kung Jesus’ choice of these 12 men was to show the inclusiveness of his mission. 12 men represented the 12 tribes. Even with the 12 there was no formal institution surrounding Jesus. The gospels make no mention of Jesus’ intention to make a new church. ▪ Whatever he would have formed back then would have been seen as a synagogue. ▪ Matthew 16:18 the only time Jesus spoke of a church. ▪ Church only came into being after the day of Pentecost. The church therefore is conditioned by the death and the resurrection of Jesus the Christ. The church is a post resurrection phenomenon. The Kingdom of God which brings about the reign of God. The kingdom of God and the church are two totally different things. ▪ The church was a post resurrection entity. ▪ The message of Jesus created division. ▪ Even though Jesus did not intend to form a group, a separation took place. The Parousia The term Parousia comes from the Greek word παρουσία, meaning "presence" or "coming." It is most commonly used in Christian theology to refer to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. This event is believed to be the future return of Christ to Earth, where he will judge the living and the dead, establish God's Kingdom, and bring about the fulfilment of God's plan for salvation. WG Kummel. Other points ▪ The church came into existence when persons began to believe that Jesus was raised from the dead. ▪ Baptism was seen as the means of membership into the church. The practice of community good is there. ▪ The place of meeting was not important. Meetings took place in houses. The word ecclesia appears initially in Acts 5:11. ▪ In that reference you get the reference that is the entire body that is being referred to here. ▪ As the body grow they had to delegate some of their functions to other persons. As the church began to grow bigger the state began to see it as a threat. As the church spread it became difficult to manage. Persecution of the church also began to happen. ▪ Each centre was capable if different actions and each centre was capable of its own local affairs. ▪ Each entity was able to function separately. With the going out of Paul and Barnabas, supervision. The church is now a being, that which is coming. It is still in process. ▪ the church us a post resurrection entity. The two passages when you look at them, you realise that they do not refer to the same entity. Two passages are refereeing to separate things. ▪ Matthew 16:18. This passage uses this passage to show that there is a line of succession from peter all the way down to the current Pope. ▪ The word ecclesia comes from two words Ek Kalew: To call out ▪ Jesus’ initiation of the last supper can be seen as the initiation of the establishment of the church. ▪ If Jesus understood himself as the messiah, then he must have established himself as the church. The kingdom of God is not the Church and the Church is not the Kingdom of God. Points of the Church 1. The marks of the church and the sacraments of the church: 2. According to the true church is one, holy, catholic and apostolic. 3. An institution that is believed. 4. What is it that makes a church legitimate 5. Are all these churches out there that profess Christ a Christ church? 6. All these institutions that claim they are churches are they really Christ church? 7. Church acquires its existence from Christ. 8. Volunteer adherence to the church and true membership of the church are not the same thing. 9. In reform theology the true church was defined as where the gospel is taught in its purity and sacraments administer properly. 10. The Anglican position has been the church is a community of saints where the pure gospel (gospel preached according to scriptures) is preached and sacraments administered (according to the way the sacraments where administered). The Oneness of the church 1. The world council of churches (WCC) consist of 200 churches. There are differences but there is a degree of unity. 2. John 17:21 Christ prayed for believers are one. 3. The oneness of the church is not in terms of practice and rituals. The oneness is in the spiritual sense. 4. The oneness is the unity in the midst of diversity 5. What makes use one is our common faith in God. 6. We believe in one church. 7. There is interfaith dialog and inter church dialog. The oneness of the church is in terms of inter-church dialog. 8. The uniformity of theology and uniformity of worship as not part of the oneness of the church. 9. The oneness of the church must be seen as an entity is where unity is in diversity. The holiness of the Church 1. The holiness of the church does not come from the members of the church. 2. The new testament has no notion of institutional sanctity. The new testament speaks of personal holiness. 3. The church is holy in so far as the church understands herself to be the community of the faithful, by being separated from the world and accepting God’s call. 4. It does not remove us from being above the mass of sinners. The Communio Santorum and Communio pectorum (we are holy and sinful at the same time). It is God who sets the church apart. Communio Sanctorum is a Latin phrase that translates to "the communion of saints." This doctrine emphasizes the spiritual unity of all believers in Christ, encompassing those who are alive on earth, those who have died and are in heaven, and, in some traditions, those undergoing purification. Communio Pectorum, translating roughly from Latin to "communion of hearts," is not a traditional or widely established theological term like Communio Sanctorum. However, it can be understood as a concept that emphasizes a deep, heartfelt unity among people, often in a spiritual or emotional context. This term could be used to describe a profound sense of solidarity, shared love, or mutual connection rooted in the core of human or divine relationships. 5. The Vatican 2 (roman catholic conference): Church is at the same time holy and always in need of being purified. God calls us to continual reformation. The church is catholic 1. The word catholic means the whole and the general. The word was first applied to the church in the time of Ignatius of Antioch. Catholic church means the complete church (universal church). 2. Polycarp was a Christian bishop of Smyrna also references the church as catholic. 3. Catholicity is used to exclude some. (If you were heretical you were not part of the catholic church). IT was a way of what was true belief over what was heretical. 4. The Catholic church was seen as orthodox. 5. As the only lawful religion and paganism and heresy became crimes. 6. Catholicity: that which is believed everywhere, always and by all according to the scriptures. 7. The ecclesia (ones called out): the ecclesia is part of the all embracing church. The church is apostolic 1. The word apostolic was not used outside of the scripture. The original meaning of apostolic was “having a direct link with the apostles of Christ”. But when it comes to the second and third centuries of the church’s life the meaning changes. 2. Apostolic means “being like the apostles” 3. John 15:16 4. Disciples when out as missionaries. 5. Apostles means being a representative of, an ambassador of the church, a representative. 6. Apostolos (Greek) always refers to a group or fleet that is sent out. When Paul uses it in his writings refers to ambassadors of Christ. 7. Apostleship those who are witnesses of the risen Christ. 8. Apostleship is a special category (those who have been commissioned by the risen Christ for a special purpose). 9. Apostleship was therefore linked to a mission. In Jesus’s day, the apostles are those who experienced Christ. 10. The church is apostolic means that the church has a ministry based on a particular mission. The 12 apostles were the original ambassadors. 11. The apostolic mission is not dependent on vocation. The mission is a succession of obedience. The church is required to be followers of the apostles. The churches mission is to carry out the mission of the apostles. 12. Preaching, testifying to the gospel, fellowship of prayer, the building up of communities, the maintain of fellowship and unity of all. Apostolicity is a set of tasks. Sacraments of the Church 1. The word sacrament is not found in scriptures. Some interpret the Greek word Mysterion (translated as sacramentum in the Latin version of the new testament). A lot of what arose in the church came from secular use. 2. The sacraments of baptism and holy communion. 3. An outward sign of an inward and spiritual grace. There is a discussion was to whether there are two sacraments or whether there are seven sacraments. 4. Baptism is the sacraments that makes all of us become part of the body of Christ. 5. The roman catholic church and Anglian also has seven sacraments. 6. There are only two sacraments that we can trace back to Christ (dominical sacraments). 7. It is an error to think of baptism as comparable to circumcision. Baptism was the ceremony of initiation into the church. 8. Infant baptism has merit but it is on the decrease. One should not force anyone to have their child baptised 9. Communion. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 10. Different churches have used communion as a way of excluding others. 11. The eucharist is the Lords supper. The church owes its life to the lord.