Christian Law: Contemporary Principles offers a detailed comparison of the laws of churches across ten distinct Christian traditions worldwide: Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Reformed, Presbyterian, United, Congregational and Baptist. From this comparison, Professor Doe proposes that all denominations of the faith share common principles in spite of their doctrinal divisions; and that these principles reveal a concept of 'Christian law' and contribute to a theological understanding of global Christian identity. Adopting a unique interdisciplinary approach, the book provides comprehensive coverage on the sources and purposes of church law, the faithful (lay and ordained), the institutions of church governance, discipline and dispute resolution, doctrine and worship, the rites of passage, ecumenism, property and finance, as well as church, state and society. This is an invaluable resource for lawyers and theologians who are engaged in ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, showing how dogmas may divide but laws link Christians across traditions.
• Undertakes a detailed comparison of church laws across ten Christian traditions worldwide, which will be of global interest to scholars of comparative law, Islamic law and Jewish law as well as practitioners working in human rights and discrimination • Proposes that all denominations of Christianity share common principles in spite of their doctrinal divisions, and that these principles reveal a concept of 'Christian law' • Evaluates the extent to which laws articulate Christian faith in the form of norms which will be invaluable to those engaged in interfaith dialogue, by showing how, like other faiths, Christianity is a religion of law
Contents
1. The sources and purposes of ecclesiastical regulation; 2. The faithful – the laity and lay ministry; 3. The ordained ministers of the church; 4. The institutions of ecclesiastical governance; 5. Ecclesiastical discipline and conflict resolution; 6. Doctrine and worship; 7. The rites of passage; 8. Ecumenical relations; 9. Church property and finance; 10. Church, state and society; General conclusion.
Printer friendly version