This course will survey and compare various contemporary ecclesiologies, or theologies of the church, by looking at how various major Christian traditions (Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Reformed, Anglican, Free Church/Congregational, Pentecostal/Charismatic) understand the church, before moving onto a few major contemporary depictions of the church (communion, people of God), a discussion of how the church is understood by some within the two-thirds world, and concluding with an analysis of two major ecumenical documents that pertain to the church (Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry and The Church: Towards a Common Vision).
Students are required to attend a worship service of a tradition different from their own.