a set of interrelated ideas which represent the distinctive features

Eg a chair has legs and a seat; A family has older and younger people who

belong together in some way

institutional

community

sacrament

servant

herald and subsequently discipleship

“the faith” – no other

Absolute – total complete truth

Universal – relevant everywhere

Changeless – a virtue of never altering

Uniform – the product of this thinking

The Church = perfect society

hierarchic / authoritarian

juridical / bureaucratic

triumphalist

clerical

defensive

teachers / taught

goal: to dispense salvation

means: the sacraments teaching obedience

nb - no salvation outside the church

the last things

salvation

penalties

exclusions

compulsory visible practice

acceptance of authority

‘mystical communion’

The people of God

The body of Christ

The pilgrim people of God: OT influence

in summary: fellowship in and through the Holy Spirit

Jesus a sacrament of God

church as sacrament of Jesus Christ

visible liturgical practice

Mass as ‘source and summit of faith’

Apostolic succession and the role of bishop

church reflects the suffering servant

walking alongside suffering humanity

concerned with poverty, injustice etc

education for all

goal: empowerment of people

church as proclamation of Word of God

not very significant in RC church

emphasises scripture

reflection, exploration, personal meaning

may lead to fundamentalism

Church as School of Discipleship:

The process of learning (disciple meanslearner) the “job description” of the Church.Church becomes a sort of in-service training