In one sense, the answer to both questions is "yes". In another sense, the answer to both questions is "no". The sense in each case is different, and different not just for the case but for the type. For starters, let us define our terms.
 |
| The Culmination of the "Good News" |
The Church is the Body of Christ.
Is the Church subordinate to the Gospel? If by subordinate, we mean "a servant of," then yes. She is a servant of the Gospel because she receives the Gospel from her Divine Head. Just as all the parts of the body "serve" the head, so too is the Church subordinate to the Gospel.
However, does the Gospel -- in certain cases or in some sense -- negate the Church? Of course not. Why? Because the Church is a part of the Good News. Some believe that the Gospel is a very narrow, redacted message. However, let me ask you a question. Are the "Beatitudes" of Jesus a part of the Gospel? I don't think the answer to that question is in the negative. If you do, I will let you explain your reasons to Jesus on the judgement day (awkward moment). What I mean, or at the least am implying by this, is that the Gospel includes the complete and total message of Christ.
Regarding this message, the idea of "saving the world" is good news, but God did not stop there. The idea of "dying on the cross" is good news, but God did not stop there. The idea of "rising again" is good news, but God did not stop there. No. He proceeded to found a Church, gave that Church the "keys of the kingdom", and organized her and provided for her in such a way that she would exist until the end of the earth.
That is the Gospel. The "full Gospel", as we used to say. It is what I like to call the "better news", in relationship to a Gospel that presumes ecclesial deism. No. God did not leave us to our own devices. He did not put on a billboard a simple message and then fly away into the clouds, offering only the gnosis of salvation. There is message, but there is also a means. Christ is the Truth, but He is also the Way and the Life.
As St. Cyprian aptly put it:
"You cannot have God for your Father unless you have the Church for your Mother."
