The Church: A Guide for the Perplexed (review)

Abstract

Reviewed by: The Church: A Guide for the Perplexed Ellen M. Leonard CSJ Matt Jensonand David Wilhite. The Church: A Guide for the Perplexed. London: T&T Clark, 2010. Pp. 251, $24.95. ISBN 9780567033369. This book by Matt Jenson and David Wilhite offers an excellent introduction to ecclesiology. Written from the authors’ free-church tradition, it is addressed to the whole Church. Their aim is to teach and model thinking theologically about the Church (2). The authors begin by drawing on historical Jesus studies in their response to the question “Did Jesus establish the Church?” Their conclusion, based on scholarly studies is clear: “Jesus established a transformative community better known as the church” (11). The authors recognize the significance of Vatican ii and its view of communion ecclesiology. Drawing on Dulles’s five models of the Church (institution, mystical communion, sacrament, herald, servant), the authors update them by engaging in conversation with contemporary theologians. The discussion about the institutional model includes an excursus on the necessity of bishops. The authors insist that the episcopate be placed within the larger framework of the priesthood of all believers. Special attention is given to the [End Page 336] model “herald” as defining the Church. The model “servant” is used to present a mission or diaconal ecclesiology. Acknowledging that no model is adequate, the authors apply the four marks of the Church to each model. The church is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. The section on the marks of the Church begins with an interesting excursus on Donatism, and points to errors that they see as continuing to challenge the Church. With the Donatists we ask, “Where is the Church? Is it visible or invisible?” In a section on mediation the authors consider baptism, prayer, searching the Scriptures, and the Lord’s Supper. They struggle to present an ecclesiology from below, one that emphasizes ways in which the Church shares in the missio Dei. The final chapter is entitled “Mission: A Dirty Word.” While admitting that much harm has been done in the name of the Church’s mission, they assure the reader that the Church has a mission. Drawing on Scripture and Vatican ii, they argue that the pilgrim Church is missionary since it shares in the mission of God. Attention to the mission of God suggests a shift from a ecclesiocentric to a theocentric model of mission. Rather than speaking of the mission of the Church, the authors speak of the Church’s participation in the mission of God. “Christ and his kingdom are proclaimed in the ministry of reconciliation. They are prefigured in a community of reconciliation” (170). In a section on “The Scope of Mission” the authors struggle with how free churches ought to think about ecumenism. In addition to suggestions for ecumenical dialogue with other Christian Churches they include reflection on Jewish–Christian relations and on dialogue with other religions. This material would be very helpful for anyone engaged in dialogue with Pentecostal churches and other free churches. While insisting on the importance of mission, the authors emphasize the greater importance of worship. The book includes excellent notes, suggested readings for each chapter, an author index, a scripture index, and a subject index. An excursus on “Women in Ministry” presents a sympathetic state of the question. The authors have presented rich historical background as well as critical systematic reflection. The book is presented as a guide for “the perplexed,” but it is also suitable for college students as well as for serious Christians. The book offers a response to those who say, “We still like Jesus, but not the Church.” Ellen M. Leonard CSJ University of St. Michael’s College Copyright © 2012 Toronto School of Theology