We are looking at Rahner as the counterpoint to Calvin on the church. Here's what he has to say:If, then, there are very many Christians today who basically regard the different ecclesial communities as equally legitimate churches, this relativistic opinion in ecclesiology presupposes either that the church of Jesus Christ as he willed it does not exist at all, or that in spite of divisions among Christians it exists to such an extent that it does not really have to be brought about. Basically, then, all ecumenical efforts and endeavours for a single church would be superfluous to begin with, or ecumenical endeavours only strive for an additional unity which ultimatley would have nothing to do with the essential unity of the church which already exists. Foundations of Christian Faith, p. 353-4
To which I say, 'well, yes...!' If by unity, he means a kind of organisational or heirarchical unity, which is no unity at all unless there is a single mindedness of course...
5 comments:
Michael do you mean single-mindedness or being of one mind? In English usage at least, there is a distinction to be made here.
Yeah, got me: I mean 'of one mind'.
Yeah, I really oughta read that...
If by unity, he means a kind of organisational or heirarchical unity, which is no unity at all unless there is a single mindedness of course...
Might not the former help foster the latter? (Particularly if you have a strong episcopacy who can kick some theological heads...)
Yes, my Episcopalian friends think this is what is needed in their church: that a lack of oomph from the episcopate has caused the predicament they are in...
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