The Trinity and an ecclesiology from below

Abstract

The article investigates themes found in Kobus Schoeman’s practical theological work. The specific problem addressed focuses on the interaction between an ecclesiology from below and contemporary trinitarian scholarship, and the possible mutual enriching conversation. The article describes the views of Haight on the shift from an ecclesiology from above to one from below. This is followed by an examination of existing attempts at developing trinitarian ecclesiologies. The final part of the argument explores the dynamics of the dialectical interaction and proposes, as elements of a “trinitarian ecclesiology from below”, 12 coordinates that express a vison for thinking about the church. Weaknesses in the Haight approach are addressed and the existing trinitarian ecclesiologies are expanded with a focus on the work of each one of the triune persons. The vision of the church that transpires, highlights features such
as intellectual vibrancy, hospitality, publicality, vulnerability, and transgression, among some of the 12 coordinates. One crucial insight that emerges from the research is that the incarnation enables theology to think non-competitively about the theological and empirical dimensions of the church. The article demonstrates that a dialogue between specific contemporary discourses on the church and the Trinity could result in a fruitful theological outcome.