The Church in God's saving plan
The Church is both a visible community in history and a spiritual communion gathered by Christ. Images such as body, people, temple, and bride express different dimensions of its life. The Church’s purpose is to participate in Christ’s saving mission. Its divine calling does not remove the real sins and failures of its members or their need for conversion and accountability.
Follow the sources
An original library introduction, with sources for further study. This is a starting point rather than a complete treatment or a finished formation lesson.