Wow! eBook
Democracy in the Christian Church: An Historical, Theological and Political Case
Author(s): Luca Badini Confalonieri (Author)
- Publisher: T.& T.Clark Ltd
- Publication Date: 12 May 2012
- Language: English
- Print length: 272 pages
- ISBN-10: 0567449521
- ISBN-13: 9780567449528
Book Description
This is a survey of historical, theological and philosophical arguments for a democratization of the Christian church. Are church structures divinely-willed, and consequently both permanent and irreversible? Can Christians modify the polity of their church like they do with that of civil society? What would be the role of the office of oversight in a Christian church democratically organized? What would its relationship with specialized authorities within the community be? Building on a remarkable number of specialist studies in exegesis, church history, political philosophy, canon law, and ecclesiology, this book convincingly fulfils three goals. First, it encourages Christians to determine the political outlook of their faith community. Secondly, it provides some fundamental criteria for judging the ethical value of church structures, on the basis of Bernard Lonergan’s cognitional theory and with the help of recent insights from contemporary political philosophy. Thirdly, it outlines a largely novel and groundbreaking understanding of a democratic church. In the process, it engages with some of the most difficult ecclesiological issues faced by most Christian churches. “Ecclesiological Investigations” brings together quality research and inspiring debates in ecclesiology worldwide from a network of international scholars, research centres and projects in the field.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“This historical, theological and political case for greater democracy in the Catholic Church offers a spirited, highly contentious, but, in the main, cogent argument.” –John Sullivan, Liverpool Hope University, Theological Book Review
About the Author
Luca Badini Confalonieri holds a Ph.D. in Catholic ecclesiology from Durham University, UK.
