FROM THE PUBLISHER

Martin Luther once listed seven "marks" of the church—those defining ecclesial features that show where the true church is to be found. This insightful volume brings together essays by ten leading Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist, and Orthodox theologians, each analyzing one of the seven traditional marks of the church and discussing how it is found, or not found, in today￯﾿ﾽs churches.

Writing about each "mark" of the church are these scholars: Gerhard O. Forde and Richard Lischer on proclamation; Susan K. Wood and John H. Erickson on baptism; K. Paul Wesche and Richard A. Norris Jr. on the eucharist; David S. Yeago on the office of the Keys; Carl E. Braaten on ordination; Robert W. Jenson on catechesis; and William J. Abraham on discipleship.

The picture of contemporary church life that is developed by these authors is grim, but their analyses and practical suggestions are both constructive and necessary.

FROM THE CRITICS

Religious Studies Review

Insofar as the authors offer not only descriptive, but critical, insight on proclamation, baptism, eucharist, the office of the keys, ordination, catechesis, and discipleship, they invite wide ecumenical discussion on the state of the Christian church today.

Calvin Theological Journal