For The Church: Essays on Ecclesiology, Christology, and Church History
()
About this ebook
This book contains easy to understand essays about some key aspects of Christianity. Topics discussed are prophecy, the nature of Christ, the doctrine of the Church (Ecclesiology), and Church History. This book discussed these topics from a Catholic perspective, and will be beneficial in helping you grow in your faith.
Related to For The Church
Related ebooks
The Anointed Church: Toward a Third Article Ecclesiology Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Priesthood of All Believers and the Missio Dei: A Canonical, Catholic, and Contextual Perspective Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsRoman Catholic Theology and Practice: An Evangelical Assessment Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Ancient-Future Evangelism (Ancient-Future): Making Your Church a Faith-Forming Community Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Roots of the Faith: From the Church Fathers to You Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBaptism -Sacrament of Initiation Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Unity Factor: One Lord, One Church, One Mission Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsWho Is the Church?: An Ecclesiology for the Twenty-First Century Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5SCM Studyguide: Christian Ethics Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTogether in God's theatre: 'Practical theology in an African context Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Church according to Paul: Rediscovering the Community Conformed to Christ Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Theology of the Reformers: 25th Anniversary Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5An Introduction to Ecclesiology: Historical, Global, and Interreligious Perspectives Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSystematic Theology: Roman Catholic Perspectives Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Real Church: An Ecclesiology of the Visible Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPoor Formation as a Principal Factor to the Crisis in Priesthood Today Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Unfinished Reformation: What Unites and Divides Catholics and Protestants After 500 Years Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Reformation: What You Need to Know and Why Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5A Source Book for Ancient Church History Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsChoosing the Good: Christian Ethics in a Complex World Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Early Church: From Ignatius to Augustine Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA History of Christianity: An Introductory Survey Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Church History 101: The Highlights of Twenty Centuries Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Ignatius of Antioch: His Beliefs on the Trinity, Salvation, Sin, Christianity, and the Church Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsISG 50: Asian Theology on the Way: Christianity, Culture And Context (Isg 50) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Priesthood of All Believers in the Twenty-First Century: Living Faithfully as the Whole People of God in a Postmodern Context Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Church: The Evolution of Catholicism Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Holy Spirit: A Guide to Christian Theology Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Theology of Augustine: An Introductory Guide to His Most Important Works Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Irenaeus: Life, Scripture, and Legacy Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Christianity For You
The Book of Enoch Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex: Creating a Marriage That's Both Holy and Hot Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Mere Christianity Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Winning the War in Your Mind: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table: It's Time to Win the Battle of Your Mind... Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Holy Bible (World English Bible, Easy Navigation) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Screwtape Letters Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Boundaries Workbook: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Great Sex Rescue: The Lies You've Been Taught and How to Recover What God Intended Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I'll Start Again Monday: Break the Cycle of Unhealthy Eating Habits with Lasting Spiritual Satisfaction Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Four Loves Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Law of Connection: Lesson 10 from The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Evidence That Demands a Verdict: Life-Changing Truth for a Skeptical World Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5A Grief Observed Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Wild at Heart Expanded Edition: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I Guess I Haven't Learned That Yet: Discovering New Ways of Living When the Old Ways Stop Working Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Changes That Heal: Four Practical Steps to a Happier, Healthier You Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Reviews for For The Church
0 ratings0 reviews
Book preview
For The Church - William Hemsworth
ECCLESIOLOGY AND THE FOUR MARKS
The study of Ecclesiology is interesting in that it raises a dichotomy that ripples through the very fabric of Christianity. Ecclesiology is the branch of theology that deals with the study of the Church. What is the Church? What are its functions? Is it visible, invisible, or both? These are questions that are often discussed in the field, but the root of Ecclesiology is the Greek word ekklesia. When this word is translated into our own language we get the word church
(McMahon 1).
The Church proclaims the Gospel of Christ, and spreads his message across the world to all peoples. The Church is tasked to be a beacon of hope, and all who enter through her doors are taught the ways of salvation. Just how the Church does this is the subject of debate. The Church finds its foundation from Christ in Matthew 16:18 when our savior says, And I say unto thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it
(Douay-Rheims). Saint Paul calls the Church the bulwark and pillar of truth in 1 Timothy 3:15. The Church is categorized by the four marks of being One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic. These four marks, along with why the church is more Marian than Petrine in her nature will be elaborated on in this article.
THE CHURCH IS ONE
The first mark of the Church is that it is one. One is more than a number, but conveys unity. This unity comes from her source which is the eternal Godhead itself. This is seen clearly in the Catechism of the Catholic Church which states, the highest exemplar and source of this mystery is the unity, in the Trinity of Persons, of one God, the Father and the Son in the Holy Spirit
(Catechism 233). This does not mean that disagreements do not exist, but it does mean that doctrinally we have a united front.
Within the Church there are many gifts and charisms that people have. That is the beauty of unity. One person may be good at administration, another in teaching, and yet another may be able to seak in tongues. In this way the Church has a valuable lesson for society. Every gift that a person posesses is useful in the building up of the Church. This is another way that the Church is one. The individuals in the Church come together to build each other up and proclaim the faith that was proclaimed by the apostles. The Vatican II document titled Lumen Gentium states in paragraph four, He leads the church in all truth, and he makes it one fellowship and ministry, instructing and directing it through a diversity of gifts both hierarchical and charismatic, and He adorns it with His fruits
(Norman Tanner 108).
THE CHURCH IS HOLY
The second mark of the Church is that it is holy. The Church is holy based on Jesus Christ who is its founder. This can be seen in the salutation of Saint Paul to the Corinthians where he writes, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints
(1 Corinthians, 1:2, RSV). The Church is sanctified, or made holy, by its call and mission. The Church is made up of sinners, who by the grace of God, carry out the great commission of teaching and baptizing.
The Church is the bride of Christ, and just as a husband and wife are one flesh, so is the Church holy because of the bridegroom. This is seen in paragraph 824 of the catechism which states, United with Christ, the Church is sanctified by him; through him and with him she becomes sanctifying
(Catechism 237). The Church acknowledges that the people within are not perfect, but need God’s saving grace. Like a loving mother, the Church holds those souls closely and provides them the means of which to be saved. The Church, through its liturgy and sacraments, provides the means of grace which Christ instituted fully and perfectly.
THE CHURCH IS CATHOLIC
The third mark of the Church is that it is catholic, but this means so much more than the name of the Roman Catholic Church. The word first came into use by St. Ignatius of Antioch in the second century. Saint Ignatius writes in his epistle to the Smyrneans, Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude [of the people] also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church
(Alexander Roberts 701).
In using this word, St. Ignatius tells his readers that the Church is universal. It is a Church not just for the Jews or gentiles, but for all people. It is for the rich, the poor, slave, or free because we are all children of God, and his message is to be taught to everyone. The Church is also Catholic because the full deposit of faith, which consist of sacred scripture and sacred tradition, have been given to her. Through these deposits she can fulfill the final command of Christ laid out in Matthew 28:19-20.
How does this relate to other ecclesial communities? The Church is also Catholic because of its structure of bishops, priests, and deacons. Of course, the pope, the bishop of Rome, has authority. This is a big hurdle for some Protestants. However, this does not mean that they are not Christians and are not part of the universal Church. They are just not in full communion with the Church that was established by Christ.
THE CHURCH IS APOSTOLIC
The Church is apostolic because the apostles were given the authority from Christ to establish it. The catechism in Paragraph 857 states, the Church was built on the foundation of the Apostles, with the help of the Holy Spirit, the Church keeps and hands on the teaching, she continues to be taught, sanctified, and guided by Christ through their successors
(Catechism 247). As previously stated, the Catholic Church is made up of bishops along with the Pope. This group of men have the great honor of carrying on the teaching of the apostles. This is known as the teaching office of the Magisterium. Contrary to what some think, scripture is not self-interpreting and interpretation can change based on one’s presupposition. The Church is apostolic because the teaching office of the Church, the Magisterium, was given the divine task to interpret scripture (Hitchcock 79).
The apostolicity of the Church is seen clearly in sacred scripture. Acts 1:24-25 which states, And they prayed and said, ‘Lord, you know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside, to go to his own place" (New American Bible). Since the apostles replaced Judas it is only natural that this was meant to continue. History shows that the apostles appointed men who would take over their ministry (LG 20).
MARIAN AND PETRINE INFLUENCE
In the four marks, we see the Church’s mission, structure, and its establishment in scripture and tradition. In addition to the four marks, the Church also has Marian and Petrine charisms. In the Petrine charism, we see the church linked with the apostles. As an example Pope Francis is Saint Peter’s successor, and thus the Church today has the historical link to the apostles. Each bishop can trace their ecclesial heritage to one of the twelve apostles, and history shows that there was an early understanding of papal primacy. This fact is often disputed with our Protestant brethren.
The marian charism is no doubt a very significant area of disagreement with other Christian churches. As Mary was a mother to Christ, the Church is a mother to the faithful. Regarding Mary and the Church, the catechism states, The faithful still strive to conquer sin and increase in holiness. And so, they turn their eyes to Mary: In her the Church is already all-holy
(Catechism 829). There are many sources in sacred scripture that allude to the Marian influence. One such passage is John 19:26-27 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home
(NRSV). Our Lord was giving his mother to his John, and in the same way he gave us Mary to be our spiritual mother. By teaching and administering the sacraments the Church acts in this motherly role for her children. Thought the Marian and Petrine charism have their place, the Marian has a larger significance.
CONCLUSION
In Ecclesiology, we study the Church and its doctrines. The four marks of the church make up the theological foundation that differentiate it from other religions. In John 17 Christ prayed for unity, and in Christianity this is hardly the case. We have the promise of Christ that the powers of evil will not overcome what he has established. We should take great joy and courage that we participate with the Church in its mission to the world. The Catholic Church can trace its lineage and doctrine to the very foundations of Christendom. As a result, the Church is not only the body of believers as Protestants believe, but is a visible entity in which the faithful can go for comfort and guidance.
WORKS CITED
Catholic Church, Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2 ed. New York: Doubleday, 2003. Print.
Hitchcock, James. History of the Catholic Church: From the Apostolic Age to the Third Millennium. San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2012. Print.
McMahon, Christopher. Called Together: An Introduction to Ecclesiology. Winona, MN: Anselm Academic, 2010. Print.
Roberts, Alexander, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe, eds. The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr