The Catholicity of the Church

by Avery Dulles

Overview

Avery Dulles, well-known for several previous works in ecclesiology, including Models of the Church, here surveys a theme that demands new treatment in the present global and ecumenical context. Nearly all Christians profess allegiance to the holy catholic church, but the meaning of the term "catholic" is widely disputed. This book investigates the historical use of the word and the various aspects of catholicity. Beginning with the word's divine source in Christ as "the first-born of all creation," Dulles goes on to discuss such topics as the "catholic principle," Catholicism as a specific ecclesial type, and the possibility of a "Protestant Catholicism." He concludes by asking how, given the current "parochial" appearance of Christianity, any Christian church can plausibly claim to be catholic.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198266952
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	12/03/1987
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	8.04(w) x 6.28(h) x 0.52(d)

About the Author

AVERY DULLES is Professor Laurence J. McGinley Chair in Religion and Society, Fordham University

Table of Contents

IntroductionThe Concept of Catholicity: Yesterday and TodayCatholicity from Above: The Fullness of God in ChristCatholicity from Below: The Aspirations of NatureCatholicity in Breadth: Mission and CommunionCatholicity in Length: Tradition and DevelopmentThe Structures of Catholicity: Sacramental and HierarchicalThe Centre of Catholicity: Roman PrimacyCatholic and Protestant: Contrary or Complementary? Conclusion: Prospects for CatholicityAppendix I Representative Texts on the Church as CatholicAppendix II: Meanings of the Word CatholicIndexes

Editorial Reviews

"The premier ecclesiastical thinker of our time."—America

"Yet another fine ecclesiological monograph. The Catholicity of the Church is made attractive by the intellectual virtues we have come to associate with its author."—Theological Studies

"This is a fine book, providing a framework for fruitful dialogue among Christians of all traditions."—Journal of Theological Studies

"Once again, Dulles has given us a comprehensive, balanced, and ecumenically sensitive study."—Journal of Religion

"This is a refreshing and challenging book, and is of considerable ecumenical importance."—Oliver Rafferty, S.J., The Month

From the Publisher