Communion, Diversity, and Salvation: The Contribution of Jean-Marie Tillard to Systematic Ecclesiology

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Questions surrounding the understanding of "communion" are a significant feature of much contemporary ecclesiology, but their prominence calls attention to wider questions regarding ecclesiological method. Brian Flanagan addresses the questions of how to characterize a systematic ecclesiology and the possibility of a systematic communion ecclesiology through an investigation of the concept of communion in the work of Jean-Marie Tillard, OP. Tillard's theology is noted as the most prominent Roman Catholic communion ecclesiology. Flanagan argues that Tillard contributes to systematic ecclesiology by defining the concept of communion in relation to Christology, soteriology, and theological anthropology, thereby framing an answer to the contemporary question of ecclesial unity and diversity. The book also assesses the danger of idealism in Tillard's thought, and suggests that further engagement with social scientific study of the church will help strengthen, nuance, and critique Tillard's idea of communion.

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A valuable introduction to the ecclesiological contribution of Jean-Marie Tillard. Brian Flanagan deftly situates major facets of Tillard's life work in relation to contemporary debates about communion ecclesiology and theological method. His most important contribution is his assessment of Tillard's achievement and his appeal to remedy his limitations by critically engaging social theories in the study of the concrete practices of the church. -- Bradford Hinze, Fordham University, USA.
The contribution of the late Jean-Marie Roger Tillard, OP to post-Vatican II communion ecclesiology and his influence on Christian unity was immense and far-reaching and in many respects is still not widely known. Inthis book, Brian Flanagan draws on a large number of Tillard's works, including those most important not yet translated into English, presenting an excellent summary of Tillard's thought and developing his ecclesiology in order to make it more meaningful to the questions of church life today. Flanagan's grasp of the key elements of Tillard's theological system and method and his ability to perceive the nuances within, is superior. It is now required reading for anyone wishing to understand Tillard and his work. Moreover, it is an essential resource for those working in twenty-first century ecumenical ecclesiology. -- Michael Attridge, University of Toronto, Canada.
The late Jean-Marie Tillard, OP (1927-2000), was arguably, after Yves Congar, the leading French ecclesiologist of the twentieth century. In this comprehensive study, Brian Flanagan explores for English-speaking readers the theological corpus of this major ecumenist. The key concept is that of communion (koinonia) with emphasis also on salvation and grace. This probing monograph, clearly articulated and richly documented, is the latest in the valuable new series from T. & T. Clark entitled Ecclesiological Investigations (volume 12). -- Michael A. Fahey, S.J., Professor of Ecclesiology, Boston College, USA.
This book offers an introduction to Tillard's work, and brings together, not uncritically, the various strands of his understanding of the Church as a communion as systematic theology. It puts this in the context of Christology, which is important. It should lead the reader to a re-reading of Tillard's works and articles and thus a reflection on the life of the Church as a communion. * One in Christ *

Author Bio

Brian Flanagan is Assistant Professor of Theology at Marymount University, Arlington, Virginia, USA.