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Reconciling Theology: Three Concepts for Convergence

  • Paul Avis
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Abstract

This chapter is an essay in reconciling or mediating theology. Its presupposition is that, in the Church of Christ, there is an imperative to reach out to those with whom we disagree. It expounds three heuristic ‘concepts for convergence’. ‘Conversation’ points to genuine dialogue that identifies common ground, pin-points real differences and looks for a path of convergence in the future. ‘Communion’ (koinonia) refers to the very being of the Church and—in obedience to the ‘love commandment’ of the New Testament—contains an obligation to maximize the degree of communion that is possible ‘beyond all differences’. ‘Conversion’ is the transforming dynamic of all reconciling theology and signifies a turning from our own preferences to the one Church of Jesus Christ.

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Copyright information

© The Author(s) 2019

Authors and Affiliations

  • Paul Avis
    • 1
    • 2
  1. 1.Department of Theology and ReligionUniversity of DurhamDurhamUK
  2. 2.Department of Theology and ReligionUniversity of ExeterExeterUK

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