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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.Leave A Comment

Recent Comments
Very concise; very clear. iLike.
12/11/08 3:42 PM | Comment Link
SAET » A Few Thoughts on the Piper/Carson Event » The Society for the Advancement of Ecclesial Theology said...
[...] theology written by Augustine, Calvin, Luther, Edwards, etc. And not merely academic theology, but ecclesial theology. To be sure, the SAET has no grievance with the kind of theological writing and reflection [...]
05/25/09 3:05 PM | Comment Link
Theology for the Church » Convictions and Affections said...
[...] article by Gerald Heistand concerning ecclesial theology. What is ecclesial theology? “Ecclesial theology is theological reflection written to the wider believing community, for the good of the church [...]
08/20/09 12:03 PM | Comment Link
SAET » Fellowship Openings Available » The Society for the Advancement of Ecclesial Theology said...
[...] candidates have a demonstrated publishing record, and view the publication of ecclesial theology as a ministry [...]
08/24/09 5:46 PM | Comment Link
SAET » Second SAET Fellowship - Openings Available! » The Society for the Advancement of Ecclesial Theology said...
[...] full-time pastor who views the writing/publication of ecclesial theology as a significant ministry [...]
10/26/09 1:31 PM | Comment Link