Abstract
This handbook edited by Avis brings together an array of eminent scholars in ecclesiology. The individual chapters cover a broad swathe of ecclesiological thought arranged in four clear sections covering Scripture, traditions, thinkers, and movements.
One notable strength of this handbook is the extensive treatment of the New Testament sources of ecclesiology. In particular, the cogent challenge to the current paradigm of house churches by Adams is refreshing.
A few chapters draw out the medieval and patristic antecedents to ecclesiology. This could have been strengthened by some description of the ecclesiological outlook of the Cappadocian fathers, and a greater elaboration of the ecclesiological thought of Augustine.
The historical focus of quite a few chapters tends to give this handbook the feel of an overview of the history of ecclesiology rather than ecclesiology per se. Nevertheless, the magnificent articulations of the thought of major modern ecclesiologists in the third section stand out as ecclesiology par excellence.
Bender skillfully opens up Barth’s dialectical ecclesiology. Flynn beautifully portrays the ecclesiology of ressourcement theologians in a strongly theological chapter on Congar and a more historical chapter on de Lubac. Lennan deftly draws out Rahner’s contribution to ecclesiology. The chapter on Ratzinger’s eucharistic-communio ecclesiology is succinctly communicated by Dieter in such a way that highlights Ratzinger’s ecclesiological focus on unity. The profound ecclesiological vision of Zizioulas is expertly presented by McPartlan. Unfortunately, there is no chapter on the majestic ecclesiology of von Balthasar.
The final section has a somewhat eclectic feel and stands out more as contemporary challenges for ecclesiology than movements in ecclesiology itself.
In its composition this handbook has an ecumenical character. Dieter reaches into some real issues in ecclesiology through examining Ratzinger’s work from an ecumenical perspective, and Nüssel draws out the ecumenical possibilities in Pannenberg’s work. This positive ecumenical engagement could have been capitalized on more.
Overall, this volume presents a constructive contribution to ecclesiological scholarship. The Oxford Handbook of Ecclesiology stands as a worthy addition to any theological collection.