How should we understand church? Is it visible or invisible, one or many, local or universal, hierarchical or congregational in its structure, sacramental or biblical in its expression? Different Christians--whether Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, or Evangelical--tend to approach these foundational questions through the lenses of their own histories and traditions. Some place great weight on the Church’s Christological foundations, and thus on history. Others place more emphasis on the dynamic work of the Spirit, with its capacity to introduce the new and the unexpected. Others see an original diversity of ecclesiologies, grounding a contemporary pluralism of confessions. These lenses color not just how Christians see the church today, but also how they imagine it for tomorrow. In Towards a Truly Catholic Church, Thomas Rausch, SJ, draws on these different voices to develop a theology for the church that builds on the work of the Vatican II, is ecumenical in its approach, and envisions the church in the context of globalization. In an increasingly interconnected world, Rausch offers hope that tomorrow’s church will be a world church, a communion that reconciles unity in diversity. In a vision that holds the tensions and antinomies together, Rausch's picture is truly catholic. Worship This concise but well documented synthesis is an invaluable resource on Catholic ecclesiology, its ecumenical engagements, and prospects for the future as Christianity moves into the postmodern world. Theological Studies The intelligence and clarity of this study, and the breadth of voices and issues it synthesizes, makes it a useful text for professors and students to use in surveying the landscape of ecclesiological tasks. Catholic Studies Rausch writes with ease and clarity about matters of deep concern of good people everywhere. Little of lasting value will be achieved in our efforts to advance Christian unity if Rausch’s plea for removing barriers and building bridges is ignored by church authorities. Prairie Messenger Readers will come to the last page of this encouraging and enlightening book with the sober hopefulness imparted by good news. Prairie Messenger We strongly recommend this new book for your thoughtful reading and reflection. The Catholic Book Club Newsletter How should we understand church? Is it visible or invisible, one or many, local or universal, hierarchical or congregational in its structure, sacramental or biblical in its expression? Different Christians--whether Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, or Evangelical--tend to approach these foundational questions through the lenses of their own histories and traditions. Some place great weight on the Church?s Christological foundations, and thus on history. Others place more emphasis on the dynamic work of the Spirit, with its capacity to introduce the new and the unexpected. Others see an original diversity of ecclesiologies, grounding a contemporary pluralism of confessions. These lenses color not just how Christians see the church today, but also how they imagine it for tomorrow. In Towards a Truly Catholic Church, Thomas Rausch, S.J., draws on these different voices to develop a theology for the church that builds on the work of the Vatican II, is ecumenical in its approach, and envisions the church in the context of globalization. In an increasingly interconnected world, Rausch offers hope that tomorrow?s church will be a world church, a communion that reconciles unity in diversity. Chapters are ?Lumen Gentium,? ?Gaudium et Spes,? ?Metaphors and Models of Church,? ?Communion in the Body of Christ,? ?The Church?s Apostolic Ministry,? ?Safeguarding the Apostolic Tradition,? ?The Marks of the Church,? ?Reception and Communion,? ?A Truly Catholic Church,? ?Challenges to the Other Christian Churches,? and ?Challenges to Roman Catholic Church.??In a vision that holds the tensions and antinomies together, Rausch?s picture is truly catholic.? Worship?This concise but well documented synthesis is an invaluable resource on Catholic ecclesiology, its ecumenical engagements, and prospects for the future as Christianity moves into the postmodern world.? Theological Studies?The intelligence and clarity of this study, and the breadth of voices and issues it synthesizes, makes it a useful text for professors and students to use in surveying the landscape of ecclesiological tasks.? Catholic Studies?Readers will come to the last page of this encouraging and enlightening book with the sober hopefulness imparted by good news.? Prairie Messenger?Rausch writes with ease and clarity about matters of deep concern of good people everywhere. Little of lasting value will be achieved in our efforts to advance Christian unity if Rausch?s plea for removing barriers and building bridges is ignored by church authorities.? Prairie Messenger?We strongly recommend this new book for your thoughtful reading and reflection.? The Catholic Book Club Newsletter Thomas P. Rausch, SJ, i