Models of the Church

The book arrived quickly and in good condition. The used book was in good condition- just as it had been listed on amazon. Great service; great book!

For those of you who have an interest in theology, but have little formal training in the discipline, I am your reviewer. "Models of the Church" provides the general reader with a work which is thought provoking but, with some effort, understandable.

Cardinal Dulles begins this book with an outline of five models of the Church: Institution; Mystical Communion; Sacrament; Herald; and Servant. The Institution Model emphasizes the visible structure of the Church. The Mystical Union emphasizes its unity as the People of God joined together in Him. The Sacrament emphasizes the Church's role as a mediator of grace. As Herald, the Church proclaims the Word of God. As Servant, it exists to serve God's people. In each section the model is explained and the strengths and weaknesses are examined.

After explaining the models, Cardinal Dulles how each shape the view of the Church's relationship to Eschatology, other Churches, the Ministry, Revelation and the discernment of the True Church. He then wraps it all up in his model as the Church as the Community of Disciples.

I think that this book will help me understand the Church and its different aspects. As I contemplate the mystery of the Church, I will have some guidance in how to go about it. It can do the same for you.

This book was in excellent condition and I received it very quickly. Would definitely recommend this seller.

Just based on the number of sentences I've underlined, "Models of the Church" is one of the most logical and readable books about Catholic ecclesiology that I have every read. Cardinal Avery Dulles lays out the pros and cons for 5 model of the Church -- Church as Institution, Mystical Communion, Sacrament, Herald and Servant. Later he looks at the Church as a Community of Disciples. The models are evaluated on their basis in Scripture, their link to Catholic traditional teaching (including Vatican II) and their resonance with the modern world. Dulles' presentation is thoroughly sane and "unchurchy", describing the pros and cons of each model fairly and honestly. Dulles also examines each model in light of its approach to eschatology, revelation and its ecumenical fitness.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants an honest look at a variety of valid means for imaging the Church. Dulles is the kind of Catholic churchman who is certain enough of his faith that he is willing to judge his Church dispassionately, letting let the chips fall where they may.

In this book, Dulles offers a simplistic yet useful overview of the way the church has been viewed throughout its history. He focuses primarily on the Catholic church. From Dulles' analysis, there are five basic ways to understand the church. He explores how these models have been used over time, as well as their particular strengths and weaknesses. In the rest of the book, Dulles explores some of the issues surrounding ecclesiology. He has also added a new model which is a synthesis of the other five. My only complaint about the book is that it makes divisions too simple and straightforward. Rarely is there a church that fits all of the descriptions of one model or does not somehow combine several models. The book is helpful, however, to pastors who seek to understand the thought patterns of the members of their church. It is also helpful to congregants who desire to understand more fully what it means to be the church. All things considered, this book is an asset to pastors, students, and anyone involved in ministry.