Congar and sola scriptura

Posted on | November 30, 2009 | No Comments

Yves Congar’s rejection of what he thought of as sola Scriptura looks like a consequence of an eschatologically-realized ecclesiology. Both Congar and the Reformed tradition would affirm the church’s union and participation with Christ. Congar, however, has joined the church to Christ so closely that there appears to be little room for differentiated statuses. Webster points out that Congar’s use of the term “covenant” should allow for the elective condescension of Christ toward His Church. Congar appears to neglect the possibility that even as Christ gives Himself to the church, He remains distinct – and authoritative in se.

We’re told that the church will one day judge angels. This plenitude of power is an eschatological promise, one in which we might partake in part even now. And yet, any such participation occurs only through the plenitude of authority which already resides in Christ. In this respect, even in His union with His body the church, Christ is in some sense an alien authority. The church cannot assimilate Him. The perfect union with Christ in the eschaton is right now a proleptic act. And the fact that He has chosen to join Himself to the church is precisely the mark of unmerited and surprising grace.

Comments

Leave a Reply





About

Theopolitical is the weblog of Davey Henreckson, a graduate student in theology at the University of Notre Dame. Topics of conversation are political and historical theology, with semi-frequent forays into literature, economics, localism, and the divine American sport -- baseball.

Subscribe to this blog

Search

Davey Henreckson's currently-reading book recommendations, reviews, favorite quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists

Categories

Admin