Some Observations on Ecclesiological Method

Abstract

Some commentators have called the twentieth century the century of the Church. Perhaps this is due in part to the unusual amount of theological activity devoted to ecclesiology. These efforts have produced major reforms in ecclesial structures and practices and important proposals for future reform. It is arguable, however, that although the theoretical discussion remains lively, in one sense it has come to a standstill. Theologians have constructed many a systematic treatise in ecclesiology, but they seem to be no further along than they were at the beginning of the century in establishing a set of basic principles, let alone in reaching a general consensus on the Church's nature and function. Even agreement on a common framework for discussion seems beyond our reach. Liberationists and feminists, neo-Augustinians and liberals, all seem to write largely for the like-minded. Their descriptions of the Church begin from scratch according to sets of principles often shared only by their own group; little attempt is made to enhance or discuss previous or conflicting ecclesiologies.