Theology in Service to the Church

As a global religion with growing numbers of expressions, Christianity calls for deepening relationships across traditions while also formulating collaborative visions. A thriving church will require Christians from various traditions and on varying trajectories to become familiar with one another, appreciate one another, and work in common service to God in Jesus Christ. In this book, a group of thirteen distinguished scholars from around the world and representing a range of Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant perspectives demonstrate how theological reflection and broad-based ecumenical conversations may serve the church. Reflecting on numerous salient matters facing the global church, these scholars model what may be accomplished in ecumenical conversations that recognize the gifts that come with unity across diversity among those who seek to be faithful to Jesus Christ. An exceedingly talented group of thinkers here reflects on how theology can be of service to the church. The result is a deeply thoughtful and provocative volume, with a marked and welcome accent on the continuing importance of ecumenism. These arresting essays display how serious theological investigation illuminates both the nature of the church and the role of the contemporary Christian within it. --Thomas G. Guarino, Seton Hall University, New Jersey Ambitious in scope and subject, this volume brings into conversation voices from around the world and beyond boundaries of faith tradition. These Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox theologians model a scholarship that pursues high aspirations with a spirit of humility and charity. --Cynthia Briggs Kittredge, Seminary of the Southwest, Texas Allan Hugh Cole Jr. is Academic Dean and Professor in the Nancy Taylor Williamson Distinguished Chair of Pastoral Care at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Austin, Texas. He is author of many publications and editor of Fathers in Faith: Reflections on Parenthood and a Christian Life (Cascade Books, 2013).