In One Body Through the Cross

By Braaten

Book Overview

The Princeton Proposal is a landmark statement on the present situation and future possibilities of modern ecumenism. Drafted by sixteen theologians and ecumenists from various church traditions, who met over a period of three years in Princeton, New Jersey, this document seeks to steer contemporary efforts at church unity away from social and political agendas, which are themselves divisive, and back to the chief goal of the modern ecumenical movement -- the visible unity of Christians worldwide, of all those who are reconciled "in one body through the cross."

Since the study group that produced this statement was instituted and its participants were chosen by an independent ecumenical foundation, the Center for Catholic and Evangelical Theology, their "unofficial" work presents especially profound and creative reflection on the ecumenical task. With this report the study group members do not claim to speak for their churches, but hope to speak to all the churches out of shared concern for the founding ecumenical imperative "that they all may be one . . . so that the world may believe."

Signatories of the Princeton Proposal:

William Abraham * Mark Achtemeier * Brian Daley * John H. Erickson * Vigen Guroian * George Lindbeck * Lois Malcolm * Bruce McCormack * R. R. Reno * Michael Root * William G. Rusch * Geoffrey Wainwright * Susan K. Wood * Telford Work * J. Robert Wright * David Yeago

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802822983
• ISBN13: 9780802822987
• Release Date: February 2003
• Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.22 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 5.3" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

In One Body Through the Cross

A very important work in the present ecumenical climate. A challenge to "see" again and continually the heart of the ecumenical endeavour as a moving with the Spirit to visible unity of the church.

Excellent, balanced suggestions from diverse theologians

The Princeton Proposal was mentioned a great deal several years ago when it was released, but I haven't heard much about it lately. It is quite critical of the present, institutional ecumenical movement, with good reason. Despite numerous concordats, covenants, and decrees bringing historically-divided churches into institutional relationships, the denominations have not done a lot to encourage shared membership, clergy sharing, etc. -- the real signs of ecumenical success. The signers rightly identify cultural narratives within denominations and the leadership's unwillingness to sacrifice theological distinctives and material perquisites as major barriers to Christian unity from within the denominations. But from the positive side, the signers note that unity already exists in the body of Christ. They recognize the ways our reception of God's grace make real that unity while still understanding that real, effective signs of that unity are lacking. Their proposals are level-headed and practical, but they would require sacrifices and self-criticism that have not been forthcoming these past decades as Faith and Order ecumenism has died. Overall, the impression is mixed, and there is cause for both unhappiness and hope, though hope is currently in shorter supply.

A Challenge to all 3 major branches of Christianity

INTRODUCTION: This tight & short 62 page book presents, the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of the contemporary efforts and history of Christian Ecumenism (Christian Unity, not to be confused with Uniformity, Union, or outside-Christianity Ecumensim). The honesty expressed "In One Body Through the Cross" is very, very, refreshing. AUTHORS: This book is written as a result of 16 theologians (who come from various Christian traditions, confessions, and denominations; but who speak and write freely their ideas without denominational agendas or attached strings) getting together at Princeton University for 3 years, and putting their minds together to talk and discuss the topic of Christian Ecumenism (circa 2000 to 2003). Robert W. Jenson is the editor and co-author, and is known for being the co-founder of "Center for Catholic and Evangelical Theology." CONTENT: The book starts with the modern history of Ecumenism (20th century), then talks about the challenges and difficulties that Christian churches (local, national, and international) have with the topic of Christian Unity (Ecumenism). To me the most valuable info is found in the last two chapters. The last chapters, outline the forte of each of the 3 main Christian groups: 1) Roman-Catholic 2) Protestantism 3) Eastern-Orthodoxy. It is followed with suggestions of where each group needs to make changes individually. Then the last chapter, looks at Christianity as a whole and spiritual Bible-based advice is given on a very practical level for all Christians to follow. CONCLUSION: I am using this booklet along with the reading resources for the "2006 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity" as a guide for parishioners and believers in the Santa Cruz area who want to find a quiet sanctuary and pray for Unity. A great companion with/after this booklet is -> "The Ecumenical Future" by Carl E. Braaten. <br /> <br />> May the peace and love of Christ unite us in His Holy Spirit, that others may come to know Chirst and glorify the Father (John 17:21) <