Receiving 'The Nature and Mission of the Church' is a collection of essays and assessments in which scholars from a variety of denominational, geographical and ecclesiological backgrounds attempt to discern the significance of the 2006 document 'Nature and Mission of the Church' from the World Council of Churches-thereby offering doctrinal, theological and hermeneutical perspectives and analysis on its formation and content. The essays also seek to discern the potential ecumenical ramifications of the document. Contributions also address futures for ecumenical dialogue and the development of an ecumenical ecclesiology in general. This is an apposite and timely collection of responses which includes contributions from those who witnessed its launch in the context of the WCC in 2006 at Porte Allegre. While so many books on the church already exist, the focused nature of the proposed volume, as well as the international and broad denominational range of the contributors, makes this proposed volume unique. Bear in mind, also, that the proposed volume is not, primarily, a historical study, but rather an ecclesiological study, and its original form is further accentuated.

Erich Przywara, S.J. (1889-1972) is one of the important Catholic intellectuals of the twentieth century. Yet, in the English-speaking world Przywara remains largely unknown. Few of his sixty books or six hundred articles have been translated. In this engaging new book, Thomas O'Meara offers a comprehensive study of the German Jesuit Erich Przywara and his philosophical theology.

Przywara's scholarly contributions were remarkable. He was one of three theologians who introduced the writings of John Henry Cardinal Newman into Germany. From his position at the Jesuit journal in Munich, Stimmen der Zeit, he offered an open and broad Catholic perspective on the cultural, philosophical, and theological currents of his time. As one of the first Catholic intellectuals to employ the phenomenologies of Edmund Husserl and Max Scheler, he was also responsible for giving an influential, more theological interpretation of the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius Loyola.

Przywara was also deeply engaged in the ideas and authors of his times. He was the first Catholic dialogue partner of Karl Barth and Paul Tillich. Edmund Husserl was counted among Przywara's friends, and Edith Stein was a close personal and intellectual companion. Through his interactions with important figures of his age and his writings, ranging from speculative systems to liturgical hymns, Przywara was of marked importance in furthering a varied dialogue between German Catholicism and modern culture.

Following a foreword by Michael Fahey, O'Meara presents a chapter on Pryzwara's life and a chronology of his writings. O'Meara then discusses Pryzwara's philosophical theology, his lecture-courses at German universities on Augustineand Aquinas, his philosophy of religion, and his influence on important intellectual contemporaries. O'Meara concludes with an in-depth analysis of Pryzwara's theology -- focusing particularly on his Catholic views of person, liturgy, and church.

This critically annotated bibliography includes entries for over 1300 books on ecumenism published between 1950 and 1992. It also describes 85 journals devoted to ecumenism. Unlike most bibliographies, the volume offers a thorough analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of specific publications. It provides a theological and historical record of Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican, and Protestant ecumenical literature, and is a guide to the works of the World Council of Churches, the Second Vatican Council, and modern bilateral dialogues. The reference begins with an introductory essay that describes the various types of ecumenical publications and discusses the historical events that occasioned their production. The bibliography follows, with entries arranged in topical chapters. The first chapter includes entries for older bibliographies, encyclopedias, handbooks, and other reference works. It also overviews journals and research centers devoted to ecumenism. The next chapter contains historical accounts of the ecumenical movement. The following chapter collects accounts given by members of various Christian confessions to explain their own church's understanding of ecumenism. A chapter on bilateral and multilateral consultations follows, and a final chapter addresses specific doctrinal issues. The book concludes with detailed author, title, and subject indexes.

Erich Przywara, S.J. (1889-1972), is one of the important Catholic intellectuals of the twentieth century. Yet, in the English-speaking world Przywara remains largely unknown. Few of his sixty books or six hundred articles have been translated. In this engaging new book, Thomas O'Meara offers a comprehensive study of the German Jesuit Erich Przywara and his philosophical theology. Przywara's scholarly contributions were remarkable. He was one of three theologians who introduced the writings of John Henry Cardinal Newman into Germany. From his position at the Jesuit journal in Munich, Stimmen der Zeit, he offered an open and broad Catholic perspective on the cultural, philosophical, and theological currents of his time. As one of the first Catholic intellectuals to employ the phenomenologies of Edmund Husserl and Max Scheler, he was also responsible for giving an influential, more theological interpretation of the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius Loyola. Przywara was also deeply engaged in the ideas and authors of his times. He was the first Catholic dialogue partner of Karl Barth and Paul Tillich. Edmund Husserl was counted among Przywara's friends, and Edith Stein was a close personal and intellectual friend. Through his interactions with important figures of his age and his writings, ranging from speculative systems to liturgical hymns, Przywara was of marked importance in furthering a varied dialogue between German Catholicism and modern culture. Following a foreword by Michael A. Fahey, S.J., O'Meara presents a chapter on Pryzwara's life and a chronology of his writings. O'Meara then discusses Pryzwara's philosophical theology, his lecture-courses at German universities on Augustine and Aquinas, his philosophy of religion, and his influence on important intellectual contemporaries. O'Meara concludes with an in-depth analysis of Pryzwara's theology-focusing particularly on his Catholic views on person, liturgy, and church.