Discipleship and Society in the Early Churches

Thomas O'Loughlin is an historical theologian. He seeks to pose theological questions within their historical framework, and bring all the insights that careful historical research can reveal to be a primary means for theology. He writes on early Christian communities and how they expressed themselves in their writings, and on liturgy: how Christians express themselves in ritual. He is Professor Emeritus of Historical Theology in the University of Nottingham.

In the long-awaited fruit of a module he used to teach at Nottingham, Tom O'Loughlin challenges our comfortable assumptions with characteristic glee. Reminding us with unfailing freshness that this 'messy universe' is where we have to live out our discipleship and assert the presence of Jesus, he forces us to rethink what we thought we knew, even about very familiar texts. This book is warmly recommended.

• List of IllustrationsAcknowledgementsIntroduction1. Who were the Disciples? Conflicting Expectations2. A Community of the Covenant: Discipleship as Choices3. 'The Sons (and Daughters) of the LIGHT': At the End of History4. Disciples, Disputes, and Factions - and Reconciliation Structures5. Amazing Grace: Moving onwards as Wounded Pilgrims6. Bonding as Disciples: Gathered around the Common Table7. Called to Service: Discipleship and Ministry8. The Shapes of Ministry: Skills for the Community9. Discipleship in the Future: Moving in Unchartered WatersBibliographyScriptural IndexGeneral Index