Ecumenism and the Church in the Post-modern Era: Historical, Biblio-Theological and Missiological Appraisal

Abstract

Ecumenism is a paramount trend in the contemporary church due to the geometrical level of division in Christendom which is contrary to Christ`s plan for the church. Scholars over the years have struggled over the attempt at solving the problem of division. Another school of thought see it as a futile exercise as it may not be addressing the real issue of the schism. The question one may ask is, Why? Does it mean that ecumenism has not really addressed the mission that caused the division in the first place? And what can we do to really bring about unity if we really want it? Can the recent thrust for unity of the Christian churches in Nigeria be based on conformists` or nonconformists` views on ecumenism? In this work, attempt will be made to do a critical historical, biblical-theological, as well as a missiological evaluation of the schisms and ecumenism in the history of the church. Attempt will also be made to suggest possible solutions to actualizing the desired unity within the church of Christ. Therefore, this paper concludes, among others, that there is need for Interdenominational conferences of the conformists and the non-conformists to share their beliefs frequently based on Bible alone until all denominations agree.