Talk:Ecclesiology/Definition

Scope?

A specific Church? Ecclesiastical institutions in general? Howard C. Berkowitz 18:20, 4 March 2009 (UTC)

Both and neither. Here's Oxford American Dictionary's definitions: (1) "the study of churches, esp. church building and decoration" and (2) "theology as applied to the nature and structure of the Christian Church". Ecclesiology in (Christian) academic theology tends to refer to discussion of the theological backing for church institutions. Some skeptic like me will point out the enormous difference between the poverty and radicalism of the character of Jesus Christ and then contrast it with the hierarchical, hide-bound and luxuriously opulent Roman Church. Ecclesiologists spend their time looking at the theology of the church - the beliefs and theology that underlie people getting together in communities and organizations rather than worshipping alone. --Tom Morris 18:48, 4 March 2009 (UTC)