The work of uniting churches is slow, challenging, and multifaceted; and it changes in each generation and location. In this book, Josiah Baker studies the efforts of believers towards reconciliation as something significant for how we understand the church. He offers a theology for laborers, people for whom unity is not only an idea but a calling and sure hope. A Visible Unity is a study in systematic theology on the relation of ecumenical methodology to ecclesiological convergence, how acting together results in the churches being together. Ecumenical work informs ecclesiology because it involves the actions of Christians together in accordance with their shared views of the church. Whenever this work changes, the partnering churches change their relations and further resolve their divisions. Baker studies ecclesiology by telling stories about a person—the Pentecostal ecumenist Cecil Robeck—for Robeck’s decades of leadership in American and global ecumenical settings. By narrating his activities and analyzing his thought, the book offers a window into the interrelation of different portions of the ecumenical movement and how the movement has changed over the years. Baker compiles archival materials and personal interviews to tell stories about ecumenism never before published.

In Visible Church-Visible Unity Ola Tjorhom explores central questions in current ecclesiological and ecumenical debates from the perspective of an evangelical catholicity of "the Great Tradition of the Church." Tjorhom shows how the fundamental visibility of the Church and the similarly visible nature of church fellowship is a corrective cover against "invisible" perceptions of these entities. This theme of visibility is developed in view of the sacraments, the ministries, and the mission of the Church. Visible Church-Visible Unity includes "Chapter 1: Toward the End of the Reformation Project? The Riddle of Protestantism," "Chapter 2: The Great Tradition of the Church'-An Old Way Forward?" "Chapter 3: The Church-Mother of Faith and Priest of Creation," "Chapter 4: The Goal of Visible Unity-Reaffirming Our Commitment," and "Chapter 5: Life in the Spirit-Toward a 'Materialist' Spirituality."

No period of history was more formative for the development of Christianity than the patristic age, when church leaders, monks, and laity established the standard features of Christianity as we know it today. Combining historical and theological analysis, Christopher Beeley presents a detailed and far-reaching account of how key theologians and church councils understood the most central element of their faith, the identity and significance of Jesus Christ. Focusing particularly on the question of how Christ can be both human and divine and reassessing both officially orthodox and heretical figures, Beeley traces how an authoritative theological tradition was constructed. His book holds major implications for contemporary theology, church history, and ecumenical discussions, and it is bound to revolutionize the way in which patristic tradition is understood.

German Protestant and Anglican experts outline and explain the different understandings of episcopacy and oversight which arose during the German and English reformations, and how these have developed since. Their contributions draw on research presented at the second conference held under the Meissen Agreement.

On the eve of Christ's Passion, Jesus prayed to the Heavenly Father for his disciples, "that they may all be one...so that the world may believe that you have sent me" (Jn 17:21). What kind of unity is Jesus praying for and why? Is this unity only an invisible bond between believers, or is it something more, something both invisible and visible? Drawing upon the Scriptures, the early Church Fathers, the saints, and various popes and councils, this thesis will clarify these fundamental questions from a historical, theological, and evangelical perspective.

"Endorsements: ""For Fries and Rahner unity is no longer an option but a matter of the very credibility and survival of the Christian faith. They are pessimistic that, all good will notwithstanding, those in leadership positions will bring about a unity of the churches in the near future. Yet they see objective possibilities for the attainment of a far-reaching unity. To this end they propose eight theses and elaborate on them."" --Hans Schwarz, author of Method and Context as Problems for Contemporary Theology: Doing Theology in an Alien World "

To any woman seeking encouragement, contentment, unity, true joy, and peace in times of trial, this is the Bible study for you! During this Bible study, we will study the life of Paul and the background to the book of Philippians. Then, we will study the book of Philippians verse by verse. During this study, you will come across the themes of perseverance during persecution, learn how to find true joy and peace in Christ, be encouraged to give generously to missions, learn how to strive toward unity in our church bodies so we can fulfill the Great Commission, and learn how to strive toward unity in our own personal relationships, and much more. By the end of this study, you should be able to find joy, peace, and unity in all circumstances!

This text is one of the most important and yet approachable works produced by Cyril. It was written after the Council of Ephesus (431) to explain his doctrine to an international audience. Cyril argues for the single divine subjectivity of Christ, and describes how it encompasses a full and authentic humanity in Jesus - a human experience that is not overwhelmed by the divine presence, but fostered and enhanced by it. Christology becomes then, for St Cyril, a paradigm for the transfigured and redeemed life of the Christian. There is an introduction to the historical and theological background of the time, of the text and to St Cyril himself.