We live in a time with many competing claims about what it means to be church.  Is “church” an intimate community of disciples with a common life? A global network of Christians with a common mission? A community of believers with a common set of beliefs? In the context of such debates, and drawing from both classical and contemporary theological materials, this class will wrestle with perennial theological questions, including: what is the relationship of Christ and the church? What is the relationship of the Holy Spirit and the church?  Is the church “necessary for salvation”?  How does the triune God work in and through—and in spite of—the church to accomplish God’s purposes?