True Meaning of Ecumenicism

[SPALATIN]

Today many people define Ecumenicism or being Ecumenical as agreement between religions in a Supreme being but not necessarily identifying that Supreme being, If we look at the Ecumenical councils of the early church that is not what Ecumenicism was really about. It was about everyone coming to agreement on what the Christian faith truly believed so that we could identify heresy in the faith.

What is true ecumenicism? Why have we deviated from the ancient view of Ecumenicism? Lets discuss this issue.

[night2day]

Today many people define Ecumenicism or being Ecumenical as agreement between religions in a Supreme being but not necessarily identifying that Supreme being, If we look at the Ecumenical councils of the early church that is not what Ecumenicism was really about. It was about everyone coming to agreement on what the Christian faith truly believed so that we could identify heresy in the faith...What is true ecumenicism? Why have we deviated from the ancient view of Ecumenicism?

When one thinks on it, Christendom has done a 180' regarding the issue. Instead of abiding by Biblical doctrines and upholding them, these days people seem more willing to "agree to disagree" to avoid offending people.

Yet, allowing conflicting teachings within the church only serves as little more than giving save haven to confusion. Which God in His word already said He does not create.

True ecumenicalism would revolve around coming together in Christ on the basis of His word and sacrament. Not on an "agree to disagree" basis which rests on very little, if any, foundation.

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)

[Carrye]

If we look at the Ecumenical councils of the early church that is not what Ecumenicism was really about. It was about everyone coming to agreement on what the Christian faith truly believed so that we could identify heresy in the faith.
That's a very interesting (and good) insight. It was the task of early Ecumenical Councils to determine orthodoxy, and that often resulted in the condemnation of one group or another. Of course that method applied today would be fruitless, as there is no one authority (or even consensus) among all Christians.

Because there are so many Christian denominations today, we've (much of Christianity) has been reduced to an "I'm ok, you're ok" stance. It's either that, or "we're the only ones who could possibly be right, and everyone else is going to Hell". You have both ends of the spectrum.

But if we view "both ends of the spectrum" in light of history, those Ecumenical Councils rarely affirmed either end. Most often, orthodoxy was found somewhere closer to the middle.

[indeep]

I disagree with ecumenicalism between religions on more than a charitable/social level. While there might be some earthly goals that we have in common... I think there's a danger in dilution of our own religion for the sake of community.

[night2day]

I disagree with ecumenicalism between religions on more than a charitable/social level. While there might be some earthly goals that we have in common... I think there's a danger in dilution of our own religion for the sake of community.

Charitable and social work is fine for a church to preform. Yet, it's not the chief reason the church exists. It's to spread the unadulterated Gospel. How can this be done if no one agrees as to what that is? Or even what the purpose of the church is? Or what it's chief teachings even are as set forth within the Scriptures?

[indeep]

Charitable and social work is fine for a church to preform. Yet, it's not the chief reason the church exists. It's to spread the unadulterated Gospel. How can this be done if no one agrees as to what that is? Or even what the purpose of the church is? Or what it's chief teachings even are as set forth within the Scriptures?
err... that wasn't what I was talking about...

I was talking about between religions... e.g. christianity and islam, or whatever...

i was saying I agree with interdenominational ecumenicalism to a point.

[sculpturegirl]

I think that there has been an attempt using the Nicene, Apostles, etc. creeds as it is here on CF. That is a start.

I certainly don't think that we ought to be fighting with Muslims or Buddhists, or whomever, but niether ought we call them "brother."