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Definition of "ecclesiology" [ec•cle•si•ol•o•gy]

  • The branch of theology that is concerned with the nature, constitution, and functions of a church. (noun)
  • The study of ecclesiastical architecture and ornamentation. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "ecclesiology" in a sentence
  • "One of the best documents to read for those who have questions about Catholic ecclesiology is Lumen Gentium, the Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution on the Church; it was an essential text for me when I was working though many questions in my journey to and into the Catholic Church."
  • "The most in-depth study of Ratzinger's ecclesiology is likely Joseph Ratzinger: Life in the Church and Living Theology, Fundamentals of Ecclesiology, by Maximilian Heinrich Heim, which for $12 (the current online price) is a steal."
  • "I recently reviewed O'Malley's book for a graduate course in ecclesiology."