Explorations in Ecclesiology and Ethnography (Studies in Ecclesiology and Ethnography)

by Christian B. Scharen

ecclesiology, if it is to help the church discern its true nature and calling, cannot remain at the level of ideal and abstract theorizing. The tensions and conflicts disrupting the life of contemporary Christian communities are too complicated and painful for the church to be transparent to itself, or to the theologian. It is here that the contribution of ethnography and other social-scientific methodologies to ecclesiology emerges. Without losing track of the proper goal and focus of ecclesiology, a disciplined exploration of the church’s present reality can serve as an act of careful attentiveness to both the work of the Spirit and the challenges of human sinfulness, and also open up new paths of recognition of what the church is called to repent of, as well as to give thanks for.