Ecclesiology and Ethics

The author elaborates on the relation between tradition and the concept of 'invention' within doctrinal theory. Based on examinations of how this is reflected upon in selected doctrinal theories (Alister E. McGrath, Wolfhart Pannenberg and Oswald Bayer), the author discusses 'invention' in relation to adjacent theological issues. Diverging issues seem to be whether invention should be reserved for the object of theology (Bayer), or whether invention should be the task of systematic theology, especially in relation to the constant generation of new experiences (McGrath and Pannenberg). The author also asserts that the doctrinal theory of Bayer is inventive, even though not intended to be so. Thus, the question is how to work inventively within systematic theology, not whether to do so.     

Ecclesiology and Ethics: A Critical Self‐Reflection1

This contribution is based on the welcoming remarks of the Most Revd Dr Thabo Makgoba, the Chancellor of the University of the Western Cape, who opened the conference on “Ecclesiology and Ethics: The State of Ecumenical Theology in Africa,” hosted by the Department of Religion and Theology and the Desmond Tutu Centre for Spirituality, held at the University of the Western Cape on 3–5 June 2015. It is included here in the form in which it was presented at that conference.     

Bound to be Free: Evangelical Catholic Engagements in Ecclesiology, Ethics, and Ecumenism

Book reviewed:
Bound to be Free: Evangelical Catholic Engagements in Ecclesiology, Ethics, and Ecumenism by Reinhard Hütter (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2004) x + 313 pp. Reviewed by Jean Porter Department of Theology The University of Notre Dame 130 Malloy Hall Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA