The Priesthood of All Believers in the Twenty-First Century: Living Faithfully as the Whole People of God in a Postmodern Context

by Robert A. Muthiah

Publisher:

Pickwick Publications

, 2009

Robert Muthiah believes a deepened theology of the priesthood of all believers is essential for answering the crucial questions of what shape the church should take in the twenty-first century, and how this theological query relates to the lived experiences of congregations. Emerging churches, which tend to develop vibrant practices of the priesthood of all believers, need to develop more fully their ecclesiological underpinnings, while historic churches, with a well-developed theology of the priesthood of all believers, need a renewed vigor to allow this theology to shape their congregational lives. With recourse to relevant New Testament texts and theological conversations, The Priesthood of All Believers in the Twenty-First Cenutry argues for a fresh understanding and embodiment of the priesthood of all believers by setting ecclesiology, postmodern culture, and congregational practices in dialogue. Elements of the discussion include ecumenical and Free church perspectives, Trinitarian correspondence, postmodern social structures, the relevance of Alasdair McIntyre's social practices for congregations, and forms of congregational leadership.

Praise for The Priesthood of All Believers in the Twenty-First Century

"This book is a delightful and exciting mixture of biblical, historical, ecumenical, systematic, and practical theology informed by a good amount of philosophical, sociological, and global perspectives. Out of this grind-mill emerges a fresh vision of the church for the new millennium that fosters and nurtures the active participation of all. Indeed, this is a vision of how the people of God may be Living Faithfully as the Whole People of God in a Postmodern Context."
--Veli-Matti Karkkainen
Fuller Theological Seminary and University of Helsinki, Finland

"Rob Muthiah has done a great service in clarifying and updating the biblical and post-biblical tradition of the 'priesthood of all believers' for the twenty-first-century church. He refuses to mythologize, idealize, or demonize historical understandings of the 'priesthood' even as he recommends a more egalitarian, communal, and fluid understanding for the postmodern believer. Muthiah further resists the temptation to pit the individual against the community, the lay person against the priesthood, technological efficiency against slow-growth relationships, the individual against the institution. Rather, he offers a set of churchly practices that offer a mutual and holistic vision of life in Christian community."
--James E. Brenneman
President, Goshen College

Product Details

• Title : The Priesthood of All Believers in the Twenty-First Century: Living Faithfully as the Whole People of God in a Postmodern Context
• Author: Muthiah, Robert A.
• Publisher: Pickwick Publications
• Publication Date: 2009
• ISBN: 9781630879976

About the Author

Robert Muthiah is Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Director of Field Education in the Haggard Graduate School of Theology, Azusa Pacific University.