Calvin and the Church Today: Ecclesiology as Received,Changed,and Adapted

Abstract

Calvin's theological legacy is embraced somewhat differently by conservative-evangelical and mainstream Reformed churches today. This article identifies and illustrates themes in Calvin's ecclesiology that have shaping influence in Reformed churches today: the church as the gift of the Holy Spirit; the necessity of the visible church; the unity of the church; human solidarity through common creation in the image of God, solidarity of Christ, the true image of God with fallen humanity, and solidarity of Christians as members of the body of Christ; the freedom of the reformed church; the church and Israel; and the reign of God. Contemporary documents used as illustrations are the Accra Declaration of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, the Belhar Confession from South Africa, and a poem from Argentina.]