Why the church?

Book Description

In a culture where many view organized religion with skepticism, Robert W. Wall presents a compelling case for rediscovering the essential role of the church in spiritual life. Drawing from careful examination of New Testament writings, Wall challenges the modern tendency to see the church as either an optional addition to faith or a problematic institution that gets in the way of authentic spirituality.

Wall argues that this dismissive attitude fundamentally misunderstands what the early Christian documents reveal about God's intentions for spiritual community. Rather than being an afterthought, the church emerges from these ancient texts as central to the divine plan, serving as God's chosen messenger in the world.

At the heart of Wall's exploration lies a pressing spiritual concern: fewer people are seeking God within the context of church community. He contends that the church represents a unique fellowship of believers whose communion with the risen Christ positions them as heralds of divine truth. Through examining the traditional marks of the church, oneness, holiness, universality, and apostolic foundation, Wall demonstrates how these characteristics serve as concrete expressions of God's grace and practical responses to contemporary theological challenges.

This scholarly yet accessible work offers fresh perspective for anyone wrestling with questions about the relevance of organized faith communities in modern spiritual seeking. Wall bridges biblical scholarship with practical theology, providing insights that speak to both academic study and personal spiritual development.