Tihomir Lazic

Towards an Adventist Version of Communio Ecclesiology

Pathways for ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, 2019

Building on the important work of the Ecclesiological Investigations International Research Netwo... more Building on the important work of the Ecclesiological Investigations International Research Network to promote ecumenical and inter-faith encounters and dialogue, the Pathways for Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue series publishes scholarship on such engagement in relation to the past, present, and future. It gathers together a richly diverse array of voices in monographs and edited collections that speak to the challenges, aspirations and elements of ecumenical and interfaith conversation. Through its publications, the series allows for the exploration of new ways, means, and methods of advancing the wider ecumenical cause with renewed energy for the twenty-first century.

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Overcoming Adventist Ecclesiological Impasses

Pathways for ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, 2019

This chapter offers a brief demonstration of how the new theoretical framework of the Adventist r... more This chapter offers a brief demonstration of how the new theoretical framework of the Adventist remnant version of communio ecclesiology can assist the global Adventist community to address some of the most challenging practical issues that its members are currently facing in regard to church structure, ministry, mission, communal interpretation and reform. It is hoped that the reader will see the plausibility and usefulness of the proposed theoretical framework when it is applied successfully to the resolution—or, at least, to a richer theological interpretation—of some of the most divisive Adventist tensions. In addition to confronting these five divisive issues, this chapter outlines four regulative principles that should guide any construction of a well-rounded and comprehensive version of communio ecclesiology. These include the principles of indivisibility, balance, comprehensiveness and ontological embeddedness.

Adventist Remnant Ecclesiology: A Brief Historical and Bibliographical Survey

Pathways for ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, 2019

This chapter traces the history of explicitly and implicitly ecclesiological reflections among Ad... more This chapter traces the history of explicitly and implicitly ecclesiological reflections among Adventists from the time of the denomination’s inception to the present day. The first two sections offer a selective overview of the key ecclesiological reflections that have informed Adventist self-understanding from the time of the movement’s inception to the present day (the period from 1844 to 2019). They focus on clarifying the movement’s appropriation of the biblical concept of the remnant, its central ecclesiological self-designation (section “Adventism as God’s End-Time Remnant Church”), as well as on other fundamental motifs that have appeared throughout the years as integral segments of Adventist remnant outlook (section “Other Foundational Concepts”). The third section explores the ways in which Adventists have translated their remnant theology into the domain of church praxis, especially as it pertains to the formation of church structure. The primary aim of this section is to uncover the underlying theological rationale and modes of reasoning that governed the process of routinization of Adventist communal life. Finally, the last section offers a selective bibliographical overview of some of the most recent denominational publications that have contributed to the further consolidation and refinement of the traditional Adventist remnant-based ecclesiological discourse. Hopefully, in the light of this historical and bibliographical survey of Adventist ecclesiological literature, it will become possible to identify the key areas of Adventist ecclesiology where further reflection could lead to a more balanced and comprehensive vision of church.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Pathways for ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, 2019

This chapter recapitulates the earlier chapters and suggests some ways forwards. It makes it clea... more This chapter recapitulates the earlier chapters and suggests some ways forwards. It makes it clear that in order to complete the project of articulating a distinctively Adventist version of communio ecclesiology, one needs to investigate (1) how the church is maintained in the truth of revelation (a ‘sanctuary-based system of interpretation’ of the Bible), (2) how it foreshadows the eschatological destiny of all humanity under God (the proclamation of Three Angels’ message from Revelation 14.6–12, an announcement that, among other things, includes the five pillars of the Adventist faith) and (3) the relationship between discipleship of Christ and relationship with God (especially in the context of Christ’s pre-Advent cosmic ministry of restoration that commenced in 1844 and will climax in the event of Parousia). In these three respects, the Adventist account will differ from that of at least some other Christian churches. Only by integrating these three distinctive Adventist convictions—hermeneutical, eschatological and Christological—into a new ecclesiological synthesis, can the Adventist interpretation of the concept of church as koinonia remain faithful to the genetic core of Adventist theological identity.

Communio Ecclesiology: A New Ecclesiological Opportunity

Pathways for ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, 2019

This chapter seeks to enhance Adventist remnant ecclesiology by exploring the possibility of deve... more This chapter seeks to enhance Adventist remnant ecclesiology by exploring the possibility of developing an Adventist version of communio ecclesiology. It outlines what the various mainstream Christian communio ecclesiologies hold in common, in the expectation that this material, with appropriate adjustments, might contribute to an ecclesiology that is genuinely Adventist. The author beliefs that Adventists, too, can accept the prevailing contemporary consensus that the ‘the church is the communio of the faithful’ as a formal theological principle, while, like other Christians, making additional specifications in line with their own distinctive theological heritage and priorities. The elements of overlap and difference here open up the possibility of dialogue between Adventists and other Christians on ecclesiological matters. Since this has not been the usual route taken by Adventists thus far, this chapter provides the theological grounds for highlighting this particular concept of koinonia or communio, as well as some preliminary explanation of how this proposal might work.

The Trinity and the Church: Towards a Participatory Ecclesiological Vision

Pathways for ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, 2019

This chapter seeks to clarify the nature and scope of God’s involvement in the making of communit... more This chapter seeks to clarify the nature and scope of God’s involvement in the making of community. Two major approaches seem to be at the forefront of the contemporary ecclesiological conversation. The first approach—imitatio Trinitatis—focusses on the concept of church as an image or icon of the triune God. The second approach—participatio Trinitatis—examines the relationship between Trinity and church in terms of the believer’s participation in the divine life as unveiled in history, with an emphasis on dynamic personal interaction, indwelling and sharing, both among the believers and with God. Upon assessing the main proposals, prospects and limitations of these two Trinitarian approaches, this chapter recommends the participatio Trinitatis approach as a more promising methodological route for Adventists to pursue in their ecclesiological construction. According to this participatory vision, the ecclesially constitutive, Spirit-mediated activity of God in Christ is seen as a pivotal factor in determining the shape and orientation of believers’ common participation in him.

Seventh-Day Adventism at Crossroads

Pathways for ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, 2019

This chapter provides a basic introductory statement of what Seventh-day Adventism is and why it ... more This chapter provides a basic introductory statement of what Seventh-day Adventism is and why it currently needs an ecclesiology. By offering a brief overview of Adventism’s origins and development, this chapter hopes to provide a general context for understanding the present problems and impasses that have necessitated a more robust and systematic articulation of the Adventist theology of church. According to the author, there are three primary reasons for the recent resurgence of Adventist interest in ecclesiology. Increasingly, the denomination is challenged (1) to retain its unity, which has been threatened from within by theological polarizations, (2) to maintain its relevance in a world that has changed significantly since the inception of the movement, and (3) to clarify its interaction with other Christian and non-Christian communities. These three tensions need to be addressed constructively if the church is to maintain its vitality and meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.

A Critical Assessment of Adventist Understanding of the Church as Remnant

Pathways for ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, 2019

This chapter highlights the following four major inadequacies of the Seventh-day Adventist standa... more This chapter highlights the following four major inadequacies of the Seventh-day Adventist standardized conceptualization of the church as remnant: (1) a lack of systematic reasoning; (2) a neglect of ontological definitions of the church; (3) a reductionist concept of truth; and finally, (4) a pneumatological deficit. Subsequently, four major proposals are made for deepening Adventist understanding of the nature of church. Whereas the formal structure of communio framework can help Adventists move beyond one-sided, single-metaphor communal self-descriptions, the idea of the church as essentially a koinonia of believers in God can supplement their predominantly functionalist portrayal of the church as herald or messenger. Thirdly, the Adventist notion of truth can be enriched by viewing the community of believers not only as a messenger but also as an organic part of divine revelation. Finally, the development of a richer interpretation of the Spirit’s activity in the church is seen as one of the key prerequisites for a fuller, more nuanced account of the church’s participation in the life of the triune God.

Ecclesia Semper Migranda: Towards a Vision of a Migrant Church for Migrants

Pathways for ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, 2021

Towards an Adventist Version of Communio Ecclesiology: Remnant in Koinonia

Building on the important work of the Ecclesiological Investigations International Research Netwo... more Building on the important work of the Ecclesiological Investigations International Research Network to promote ecumenical and inter-faith encounters and dialogue, the Pathways for Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue series publishes scholarship on such engagement in relation to the past, present, and future. It gathers together a richly diverse array of voices in monographs and edited collections that speak to the challenges, aspirations and elements of ecumenical and interfaith conversation. Through its publications, the series allows for the exploration of new ways, means, and methods of advancing the wider ecumenical cause with renewed energy for the twenty-first century.

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Remnant in koinonia : towards an Adventist version of communio ecclesiology

In the last two decades, Seventh-day Adventist scholars have been attempting to articulate a bala... more In the last two decades, Seventh-day Adventist scholars have been attempting to articulate a balanced and distinct ecclesiology, aimed at helping the denomination to retain its global unity, maintain its relevance and enable a more fruitful and meaningful interaction with others. No comprehensive account of the church has been developed yet, however. This thesis is intended to facilitate a more rounded and systematically articulated concept of church from an Adventist perspective. Part I presents a thumbnail history of the denomination and considers the advantages and limitations of its standard claim to be the 'remnant', awaiting a pre-millennial parousia. Part II engages with the ideas of some of the ablest communio ecclesiologists of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries and considers their ecclesiological system, built around the concept of koinonia, while Part III examines ways in which their theoretical framework can assist the Adventist community to deal with practical ecclesial issues. Four major proposals are made for deepening Adventist understanding of the nature of church. Whereas the formal structure of communio framework can help Adventists move beyond one-sided, single-metaphor communal self-descriptions, the idea of the church as essentially a koinonia of believers in God can supplement their predominantly functionalist portrayal of the church as herald or messenger. Thirdly, the Adventist notion of truth can be enriched by viewing the community of believers not only as a messenger, but also as an organic part of divine revelation. This makes ecclesiology central to the theological enterprise, intrinsic to the grounding of theological claims and the interpretation of biblical texts. Finally, the development of a richer interpretation of the Spirit’s activity in the church is seen as one of the key prerequisites for a fuller, more nuanced account of the church’s participation in the life of the triune God. The highlighting of these four aspects, hitherto neglected or underdeveloped in Adventism, and the presentation of tentative solutions to its ongoing ecclesiological problems, form the principal contribution of this monograph.

Church as Koinonia: Exploring the Ecumenical Potential of John Zizioulas’s Communio Ecclesiology

Springer eBooks, 2021

This chapter is intended to provide a systematic exposition of the basic claims, prospects, and l... more This chapter is intended to provide a systematic exposition of the basic claims, prospects, and limitations of John Zizioulas’s communio ecclesiology. The focus is on identifying the key methodological assumptions that undergird his attempt to ground the community of believers in the life of the triune God. This assessment of Zizioulas’s method is done for the purpose of determining whether, and if yes, to what extent his koinonia-based ecclesiological framework (or more particularly, his imitatio Trinitatis approach) can be used as a platform for a meaningful and fruitful ecumenical dialogue between Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches.

Adventist Remnant Ecclesiology: A Brief Historical and Bibliographical Survey

Towards an Adventist Version of Communio Ecclesiology, 2019

This chapter traces the history of explicitly and implicitly ecclesiological reflections among Ad... more This chapter traces the history of explicitly and implicitly ecclesiological reflections among Adventists from the time of the denomination’s inception to the present day. The first two sections offer a selective overview of the key ecclesiological reflections that have informed Adventist self-understanding from the time of the movement’s inception to the present day (the period from 1844 to 2019). They focus on clarifying the movement’s appropriation of the biblical concept of the remnant, its central ecclesiological self-designation (section “Adventism as God’s End-Time Remnant Church”), as well as on other fundamental motifs that have appeared throughout the years as integral segments of Adventist remnant outlook (section “Other Foundational Concepts”). The third section explores the ways in which Adventists have translated their remnant theology into the domain of church praxis, especially as it pertains to the formation of church structure. The primary aim of this section is to uncover the underlying theological rationale and modes of reasoning that governed the process of routinization of Adventist communal life. Finally, the last section offers a selective bibliographical overview of some of the most recent denominational publications that have contributed to the further consolidation and refinement of the traditional Adventist remnant-based ecclesiological discourse. Hopefully, in the light of this historical and bibliographical survey of Adventist ecclesiological literature, it will become possible to identify the key areas of Adventist ecclesiology where further reflection could lead to a more balanced and comprehensive vision of church.

Towards an Adventist Version of Communio Ecclesiology

Building on the important work of the Ecclesiological Investigations International Research Netwo... more Building on the important work of the Ecclesiological Investigations International Research Network to promote ecumenical and inter-faith encounters and dialogue, the Pathways for Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue series publishes scholarship on such engagement in relation to the past, present, and future. It gathers together a richly diverse array of voices in monographs and edited collections that speak to the challenges, aspirations and elements of ecumenical and interfaith conversation. Through its publications, the series allows for the exploration of new ways, means, and methods of advancing the wider ecumenical cause with renewed energy for the twenty-first century.

Download

Conclusion and Recommendations

Towards an Adventist Version of Communio Ecclesiology, 2019

This chapter recapitulates the earlier chapters and suggests some ways forwards. It makes it clea... more This chapter recapitulates the earlier chapters and suggests some ways forwards. It makes it clear that in order to complete the project of articulating a distinctively Adventist version of communio ecclesiology, one needs to investigate (1) how the church is maintained in the truth of revelation (a ‘sanctuary-based system of interpretation’ of the Bible), (2) how it foreshadows the eschatological destiny of all humanity under God (the proclamation of Three Angels’ message from Revelation 14.6–12, an announcement that, among other things, includes the five pillars of the Adventist faith) and (3) the relationship between discipleship of Christ and relationship with God (especially in the context of Christ’s pre-Advent cosmic ministry of restoration that commenced in 1844 and will climax in the event of Parousia). In these three respects, the Adventist account will differ from that of at least some other Christian churches. Only by integrating these three distinctive Adventist convictions—hermeneutical, eschatological and Christological—into a new ecclesiological synthesis, can the Adventist interpretation of the concept of church as koinonia remain faithful to the genetic core of Adventist theological identity.

Seventh-Day Adventism at Crossroads

Towards an Adventist Version of Communio Ecclesiology, 2019

This chapter provides a basic introductory statement of what Seventh-day Adventism is and why it ... more This chapter provides a basic introductory statement of what Seventh-day Adventism is and why it currently needs an ecclesiology. By offering a brief overview of Adventism’s origins and development, this chapter hopes to provide a general context for understanding the present problems and impasses that have necessitated a more robust and systematic articulation of the Adventist theology of church. According to the author, there are three primary reasons for the recent resurgence of Adventist interest in ecclesiology. Increasingly, the denomination is challenged (1) to retain its unity, which has been threatened from within by theological polarizations, (2) to maintain its relevance in a world that has changed significantly since the inception of the movement, and (3) to clarify its interaction with other Christian and non-Christian communities. These three tensions need to be addressed constructively if the church is to maintain its vitality and meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.

Communio Ecclesiology: A New Ecclesiological Opportunity

Towards an Adventist Version of Communio Ecclesiology, 2019

This chapter seeks to enhance Adventist remnant ecclesiology by exploring the possibility of deve... more This chapter seeks to enhance Adventist remnant ecclesiology by exploring the possibility of developing an Adventist version of communio ecclesiology. It outlines what the various mainstream Christian communio ecclesiologies hold in common, in the expectation that this material, with appropriate adjustments, might contribute to an ecclesiology that is genuinely Adventist. The author beliefs that Adventists, too, can accept the prevailing contemporary consensus that the ‘the church is the communio of the faithful’ as a formal theological principle, while, like other Christians, making additional specifications in line with their own distinctive theological heritage and priorities. The elements of overlap and difference here open up the possibility of dialogue between Adventists and other Christians on ecclesiological matters. Since this has not been the usual route taken by Adventists thus far, this chapter provides the theological grounds for highlighting this particular concept of koinonia or communio, as well as some preliminary explanation of how this proposal might work.

Remnant in koinonia: towards an Adventist version of communio ecclesiology

In the last two decades, Seventh-day Adventist scholars have been attempting to articulate a bala... more In the last two decades, Seventh-day Adventist scholars have been attempting to articulate a balanced and distinct ecclesiology, aimed at helping the denomination to retain its global unity, maintain its relevance and enable a more fruitful and meaningful interaction with others. No comprehensive account of the church has been developed yet, however. This thesis is intended to facilitate a more rounded and systematically articulated concept of church from an Adventist perspective. Part I presents a thumbnail history of the denomination and considers the advantages and limitations of its standard claim to be the 'remnant', awaiting a pre-millennial parousia. Part II engages with the ideas of some of the ablest communio ecclesiologists of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries and considers their ecclesiological system, built around the concept of koinonia, while Part III examines ways in which their theoretical framework can assist the Adventist community to deal with pract...

Ecclesia Semper Migranda: Towards a Vision of a Migrant Church for Migrants

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