Ecclesiology in The Books Store

Gerard Mannion, in Ecclesiology and Postmodernity, addresses the situation of the church in a postmodern world. The fundamental changes in human society and culture wrought by the twentieth century require the church to consider its response in the twenty-first century. What is the church's moral vision, how does its practice look, what is the nature of its aspiration toward holiness in our times? Mannion believes that since Vatican II, the Catholic Church has been in a kind of limbo, awaiting a vision of its own life for the future. Rather than focusing on specific controversies, Mannion offers concrete suggestions about how the church can create a better harmony between its own self-understanding, its ecclesiological vision, and its day-to-day life, its ecclesial practice.

The greatest problem facing mainline churches today is not declining numbers, shifting social allegiances, or confused leadership. It is loss of vision. This bold yet constructive book urges pastors to see their congregations as real expressions of "the body of Christ" and suggests ways to revise--and energize--their ministries based on this vision. Coauthor Glenn McDonald illustrates each of Ben Campbell Johnson's insightful recommendations with concrete examples from his experience as a pastor. Backing theory with practical examples and user-friendly questions for discussion, this much-needed book will be an excellent resource in a wide variety of educational settings.