Ecumenicalism: Deception Or Unity?

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Permalink Reply by Midlander on February 3, 2010 at 5:50pm

Reply by Nick White 1 hour ago
.... all Christian denominations believe the Nicene creed ....

I do not agree Nick and maybe this would be an interesting stand alone topic. Just ONE example, not all Christian Churches agree on these lines of Nicene Creed ......

"We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins"

In fact there is sharp disunity on the understanding and original motive of these lines.

David

Permalink Reply by Ploughboy on February 7, 2010 at 9:29am

David

It could be said that the Nicene creed is no longer adequate in view of the errors seen in this day.

Martin

Permalink Reply by Iggy on February 7, 2010 at 9:37am

I don't think the Nicene creed was ever supposed to be adequate by itself - its primary function was/is to defend the triune nature of God and the divinity of our Lord.

Permalink Reply by Ploughboy on February 7, 2010 at 10:49am

Iggy

The Nicene creed was adequate against the heresies of it's day but Man's wickedness has produced far more, from salvation by works to nihilism.

Martin

Permalink Reply by Midlander on February 7, 2010 at 3:50pm

Reply by Ploughboy 6 hours ago
David

It could be said that the Nicene creed is no longer adequate in view of the errors seen in this day.

Martin

I believe there is much truth in what you suggest Martin.

David

Permalink Reply by John Stanier on February 3, 2010 at 4:49pm

Hi Midlander.

You used the interesting phrase, "in a move towards ecumenicalism". I can only speak personally, but I have found that when this is the aim, what we succeed in doing is reducing everything down to the lowest common denominator. We can meet in the unity we have in Christ, but it can also be exciting and interesting to meet together in Lent perhaps.



Certainly we cannot extend it to other religions. There can be no unity because they are not of Christ. We can however spend time as individuals with Muslims Hindus etc.

BUT. I also think that because no man, church or denomination seems to hold and move in the whole truth and the expression of the Kingdom of God, we need to meet and work where we can with other Christians. There is a real need to understand each other and recognise that we can have different approaches and yet still love and serve the same Jesus! Some love the liturgical approach while I find it difficult. Does that mean that I can't have fellowship with them, of course not. At the moment an Alpha course is going on locally with about 7 different churches involved.

As I am charismatic, I love the freedom of worship and ministry I find in a more relaxed setting. But, having said that, I need to remember that I came into the things of the Spirit through a wonderful Anglican church.

Perhaps the most important fact of all is, If we are in Christ, then we are all part of the same Bride, Body and Church. There are now so many groupings of believers all who claim to be the sole owners of the 'truth', that from the outside it can look silly.
For me, if they love and follow Jesus, that is more than sufficient.

The Street Pastors are a great example of what God is doing these days. Google them.

Permalink Reply by Jewish Evangelist on February 3, 2010 at 5:03pm

Ephesians chapter 4 verse 3

Permalink Reply by Janice Moorcroft on February 3, 2010 at 5:05pm

Amen! JE

Permalink Reply by John Stanier on February 3, 2010 at 5:30pm

Amen too. We certainly need to preserve our unity in Christ.
Nick, just because something looks 'good' doesn't mean it is right. As I said, some of the people using the term, may well not have the personal relationship that is necessary for true unity. There can be more religion than christianity in ecumenicalism.
We need wisdom.

Permalink Reply by Midlander on February 3, 2010 at 5:41pm

Hi David,

What is wrong with ecumenicalism exactly?

That depends Nick. Universalist ecumenicalism; Biblical ecumicalism; Pax Christi ecumenicalism or fundamtenal Roman Catholic (Law) ecumenicalism?

David

Permalink Reply by Midlander on February 3, 2010 at 6:06pm

Reply by Nick White 9 minutes ago
Don't the world council of churches do something with ecumenicalism?

The WCC Statement of Faith is interesting viz .....


"The National Council of Churches is a community of Christian communions,
which, in response to the gospel as revealed in the Scriptures,
confess Jesus Christ, the incarnate Word of God, as Savior and Lord.

These communions covenant with one another
to manifest ever more fully the unity of the Church.

Relying upon the transforming power of the Holy Spirit,
the communions come together as the Council in common mission,
serving in all creation to the glory of God."

David

Permalink Reply by John Stanier on February 3, 2010 at 5:45pm

At the end of the day it is great to have real fellowship with other believers isn't it`?

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