Jesus and the Church

Book Description

In this thoughtful theological exploration, Paul Avis tackles one of Christianity's most fundamental questions: what truly lies at the heart of the Church's existence and purpose? Rather than accepting simple answers, he invites readers into a deeper investigation of the relationship between Jesus Christ and the institution that bears his name.

Avis challenges readers to move beyond surface-level assumptions about church founding and institutional authority. Through careful scholarship, he reveals how the gospel itself serves as the Church's unshakeable core, expressed through both spoken word and sacred ritual. His analysis suggests that while Jesus may not have established the Church as we recognize it today, his vision for a community of believers remains central to understanding authentic Christian fellowship.

The author weaves together themes of Christ's relationship to his followers, the gospel's connection to the Kingdom, and the Church's true mission in the world. He acknowledges the reality of division and struggle within modern Christianity while pointing toward something enduring and valuable that transcends institutional failures.

For readers seeking to understand their place within the broader Christian story, this work offers both intellectual rigor and spiritual insight. Avis presents a vision where Christ himself, in his death and resurrection, becomes the singular foundation upon which genuine community can be built, while recognizing that this foundation cannot exist apart from the people who embody it.