Reviews for The church and the powers

The average rating for The church and the powers based on 2 reviews is 3.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2014-07-31 00:00:00 Alex Horkay Renowned scholar of church management Dr. James F. Cobble Jr. provides a solidly theological and yet practical guide to the structure of the church and how it does and does not relate to the death-inducing power complex of modern society. Cobble’s work is sophisticated on both the biblical and the sociological/philosophical level. He first outlines the power complex that drives modern life – the societal movement to an individualized and psychologized instrumentalism that privileges competition and material gain – and its relation to the biblical idea of the powers and its presence in tension with the contemporary Christian church. The second part of his book provides the practical outline of how an individual congregation might resist allying themselves with the powers through careful discipleship training and long-term mission planning. Cobble opens his preface by noting, “On the one hand, the very structures that enable the church to exist as a social entity are at the same time part of the power complex. Consequently, it is driven by forces alien to the gospel. On the other hand, as the community of the Spirit, the church is to point beyond itself to the kingdom of God, which it both embodies and awaits. Thus, a tension exists; or one might say there is a spiritual conflict.” (x) Chapter 1 outlines the biblical concept of the principalities and powers, tracing its development through the intertestamental period and particularly in the thought of the Apostle Paul. Chapter 2 then surveys the parallel development of the “power complex” throughout modern history. The third chapter looks at the struggle for meaning in a fragmented society, and how a biblical worldview might change our outlook on the church and the powers. Chapter 4, the final chapter in Cobble’s theoretical survey of the Power Complex, is a somewhat off-topic but helpful theological examination of the concept of the “will of God” and how it relates to individual and communal decision-making. Part 2, “Structural Dynamics,” looks at the workings of the individual congregation in relation to the power complex. Chapter 5 examines the biblical and historical roots of the ekklēsia, noting particularly the lack of formal organization and the Roman idea of koinōnia as a contractual agreement of a community toward a common goal. Chapter 6 outlines the historical changes in the definition of community and calls for a reappropriation of koinōnia as a congregational center. Chapter 7 counsels the development of mission as the locus for meaningful relationship-building, and Chapter 8 provides a snapshot of uniquely Christian leadership. Chapter 9 tackles the often difficult subject of the church building and its tension with the Christian call to serve the poor. Finally, Chapter 10 offers a useful lengthy step-by-step process of long-term planning and mission development. The strength of Cobble’s work stems from a clearly developed and articulated theology coupled with a long history of practical development with congregations. Those who may be put off by the book’s publication date should be reassured by the timelessness of Cobble’s theology and his startling ability to articulate trends that are still continuing 25 years later. Cobble provides helpful guidelines for those seeking to resist the domination of the power complex in their Christian communities, and stern biblical warnings for those who think that alignment with political parties or economic success are the markers of truly Christian communities. Highly recommended for pastors of congregations, theological students, and instructors of practical theology or ecclesiology courses.

Review # 2 was written on 2012-11-17 00:00:00 Eric Hernandez this is an anti-authoritarian book about state attempts to control the minds and activities of the public.