What has happened to the mainline church, once a bastion of faith. power, and commitment? John Cobb argues that the very term "main line" is now a misnomer and that "oldline" more aptly describes this for merly robust body. Should this church opt to survive at the margin? If it attempts to do so, Cobb contends, what has been valuable and relevar for generations will disappear.

Decrying the professionalization of theological education, Cobb calls for the church to resume its own theological vocation so that its members can in turn resume their passionate commitment to their faith.

Honest and provocative, Reclaiming the Church will both disturb and

inspire all those who care about the fate of mainline churches.