The Society for the Advancement of Ecclesiological Theology

December 11, 2008 by Gerald Hiestand

Ecclesial Theology: Definition, Audience and Examples

One of the ongoing difficulties we’ve had is defining ecclesial theology as something distinct from academic theology. I’ve written about that here, but wanted to flesh it out further. Here’s the SAET’s working definition, etc.

Definition of Ecclesial Theology
Ecclesial theology is theological reflection written to the wider believing community, for the good of the church catholic, and born out of pastoral/ecclesial concerns.

The Subject Matter of Ecclesial Theology
Ecclesial theology covers the entire Christian life—Christian living, ministry, exposition of Scripture, church history, dogmatics, etc. Anything relevant to the mission and life of the church is the subject matter of ecclesial theology.

The Audience of Ecclesial Theology
Ecclesial theology is written to the thoughtful, theologically informed, historically aware, biblically literate, believing community. The audience of ecclesial theology may at times include the laity, but will often be directed toward ecclesial scholars and theologians and likeminded thinkers. For example, a deeply thoughtful book on Nicene Christology and its ecclesial implications may not be readily accessible for the average lay person, but it would yet be highly relevant for the health and life of the church.

Examples of Ecclesial Theology
Augustine—Confessions, On Grace and Free Will
Bonheoffer—The Cost of Discipleship
Stott—The Cross of Christ
Piper—Desiring God
Luther—Galatians, Bondage of the Will
Calvin—Institutes and commentaries
Baxter—The Reformed Pastor
Athanasius—The Incarnation of the Word
Edwards—Freedom of the Will, etc.

Categories: Ecclesial Theology