Communion, Diversity, and Salvation by Brian Flanagan and Denomination, a collection of essays edited by Paul M. Collins and Barry Ensign-George, are published in June.
Brian Flanagan discusses the significance of the term ‘communion’ and its use in the work of Jean-Marie Tillard, OP. I have received three great endorsements for this volume from Bradford Hinze, Michael Attridge and Michael A. Fahey, SJ – and these are below:
‘A valuable introduction to the ecclesiological contribution of Jean-Marie Tillard. Brian Flanagan deftly situates major facets of Tillard’s life work in relation to contemporary debates about communion ecclesiology and theological method. His most important contribution is his assessment of Tillard’s achievement and his appeal to remedy his limitations by critically engaging social theories in the study of the concrete practices of the church.’ – Bradford Hinze, Fordham University, USA.
'The contribution of the late Jean-Marie Roger Tillard, OP to post-Vatican II communion ecclesiology and his influence on Christian unity was immense and far-reaching and in many respects is still not widely known. Inthis book, Brian Flanagan draws on a large number of Tillard’s works, including those most important not yet translated into English, presenting an excellent summary of Tillard’s thought and developing his ecclesiology in order to make it more meaningful to the questions of church life today. Flanagan’s grasp of the key elements of Tillard’s theological system and method and his ability to perceive the nuances within, is superior. It is now required reading for anyone wishing to understand Tillard and his work. Moreover, it is an essential resource for those working in twenty-first century ecumenical ecclesiology.' - Michael Attridge, University of Toronto, Canada.
‘The late Jean-Marie Tillard, OP (1927-2000), was arguably, after Yves Congar, the leading French ecclesiologist of the twentieth century. In this comprehensive study, Brian Flanagan explores for English-speaking readers the theological corpus of this major ecumenist. The key concept is that of communion (koinonia) with emphasis also on salvation and grace. This probing monograph, clearly articulated and richly documented, is the latest in the valuable new series from T. & T. Clark entitled Ecclesiological Investigations (volume 12).’-Michael A. Fahey, S.J., Professor of Ecclesiology, Boston College, USA.
Denomination offers an assessment of a key term in contemporary ecclesiology by representatives of all major Christian denominations. These essays are written by great scholars and I have also received two wonderful endorsements for this volume from William J. Abraham and Roger Haight, SJ, please, see below:
‘With the collapse of classical ecumenism and the emergence of new divisions in the church, the time is ripe for a fresh theological look at the contentious issue of denominationalism. This volume tackles the thorny issues cleanly and forthrightly. Both those who are repelled by the whole idea of denominationalism and those who want to retrieve and fix it will find this splendid volume invaluable in thinking through their positions.’ - William J. Abraham, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, USA.
‘What is a denomination? Does it differ from a convention, fellowship, synod, or church? Is it primarily a sociological or a theological term? Denominational consciousness stands for particularity relative to the whole church. The premier ecclesiologists who discuss the nature, function, and relevance this term in an ecumenical age display the diversity of their denominational points of view. As denominations wane in the West and never quite take hold in cultures that do not share the history that generated them, will the gifts that each preserves for the whole church be lost? These analysts throw distinctive light on these issues and by so doing relativize the narrowness of denominational consciousness and help expand the vision of the larger church in which the denominations participate. This topic and these superb treatments of it provide a unique entrée into the ecumenical vision that people from all the denominations will appreciate. As a whole the book represents a quiet, conversational but brilliant essay in comparative ecclesiology that no course in ecumenism can neglect.’ - Roger Haight, S. J., Scholar in Residence, Union Theological Seminary, USA.
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