Ecclesiology as Political Theology: On Delivering on a Transformative Strategic Orientation in Ecclesiology

Abstract

This three-section article reappraises both Edward Schillebeeckx’s continuing significance and the relationship between ecclesiology and political theology. Having identified two differing sets of concerns within political theology, the first section argues that the claim that the church is the true form of political theology needs to be disciplined by a Schillebeeckx-like critical ecclesiology if it is to avoid ecclesiological idealism. The second section argues that such transformative ecclesiology is itself an act of intra-ecclesial political theology; and the third that it needs to be pursued with greater political astuteness than Schillebeeckx manifested in his theology of ministry.