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