Ecclesiology in the Trenches

The field of ecclesiology is rapidly expanding as new material, theories, methods, and approaches are being explored. This raises important and challenging questions concerning ecclesiology as an academic discipline. This book takes the reader into the trenches of ecclesiological research where the actual work of reading, writing, interpreting, and analysing is being done. Ecclesiology is dealt with as a systematic, empirical, historical, and liturgical discipline. Essays explore theology in South Africa as shaped by apartheid, liturgical theology, the diaconate in an ecumenical context, Free Church preachership, suburban ecclesial identity, medieval church practices, liturgical texts, church floor plans, and ecclesiology as a gendered discipline. Ecclesiology in the Trenches is a book for anyone who is interested and involved in ecclesiological research.

"This outstanding collection of consistently high-quality essays brings the reader deep into the exciting discussions at the intersection of ecclesiology and its material, and social forms and conditions. The book convincingly displays the fruitfulness of constructive ecclesiology when it attends to these conditions. Those unfamiliar with the essential work in this area in Scandinavia will find it especially enlightening." Nicholas M. Healy, PhD, Professor, Theology and Religious Studies, St. John's University, New York "This volume succeeds in being not just another collection of essays, but a compelling report of ecclesiology 'under construction'. The editors skilfully gather and introduce a variety of approaches to ecclesiology, enabling the reader to see them from a complementary standpoint. Bridging divides, integrating doctrine and empirical research, truly interdisciplinary and sensitive to ethics and worship, this book is an indispensable tool for making an ecclesiology for today, and is a tribute to the clear vision of the editors." Paul S. Fiddes, Professor of Systematic Theology, University of Oxford "There are noteworthy advances examplified by each essay in the volume. .... Ecclesiology done 'in the trenches' broadens beyond the confines of surface-level doctrinal questions." -Clement Yung Wen, Expository Times, Vol. 128, No. 7, April 2017 'There is no doubt that the transdisciplinary approach of this book to ecclesiology represents a unique and remarkable contribution to the field..[I] would warmly recommend this book to anyone interested in studying ecclesiology. It is not just the innovative perspective that makes this volume an important accomplishment, but also the gathered variety of methodologies and ecclesiological loci which it presents.' -Petre Maican, Reviews in Religion and Theology, Volume 25, Issue 1, January 2018

Sune Fahlgren is Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Stockholm School of Theology. He is the author of Shalom Inshallah: Encountering Jews, Christians, and Muslims.. Jonas Ideström is a researcher at Church of Sweden Research Unit. He is the editor of For the Sake of the World: Swedish Ecclesiology in Dialogue with William T. Cavanaugh.