JCS5 The Jewish People and the Church: Ecclesiology

This course explores the theological study of ecclesiology—the doctrine of the Church—through the lens of Israel’s identity, purpose, and relationship to the Church within the biblical narrative. Students will examine how Israel’s covenantal history, calling, and mission provide essential insights into the nature and purpose of the Church as described in the New Testament. This course considers questions such as: What does it mean for the Church to be the “people of God”? How do the promises to Israel inform the Church’s identity and mission? What distinctions and continuities exist between Israel and the Church?

Key topics include the nature of covenant, election, kingdom, and mission as they relate to Israel and the Church; the formation of the Church in the light of Israel’s story; and the theological implications of Israel’s role for contemporary ecclesiology. Students will engage with various perspectives on the relationship between Israel and the Church, including covenantal and dispensational frameworks, and consider how these views impact Christian theology, worship, and interfaith relationships.

Through readings, discussions, and theological reflection, students will deepen their understanding of how Israel and the Church mutually inform each other, fostering a richer perspective on the Church’s role in God’s redemptive plan.

Learning Objectives:

• Develop a theological understanding of ecclesiology in the context of Israel’s covenantal identity and history.
• Analyze the continuity and distinction between Israel and the Church and their implications for Christian doctrine.
• Explore how Israel’s story and mission influence the Church’s identity, mission, and practice.
• Critically engage with theological perspectives on Israel and the Church to inform contemporary ecclesiological thought.

This course is ideal for students of theology, ministry, and biblical studies who seek a deeper understanding of ecclesiology grounded in the relationship between Israel and the Church, enriching their perspective on the Church’s identity and mission in today’s world.