‘Live and Let Live Mind-set’: A Modernistic and Post-modernistic Approach to Ecumenism

Abstract

Modernistic and Post-modernistic Christians understand the root of ecumenical initiatives from the perception of a ‘live and let live mind-set’ This relativists’ view on ecumenism has galloped through Christian history without examining the hermeneutical principles employed for the formation of this seemingly indisputable theory. Hence, this study tries to critically examine the varied hermeneutical principles employed to arrive at the theory of relativism as the sole authoritative instrument to understand the truth about ecumenism using a historical research approach through analytical methodology. The founding historic theory did not share the same view with the Modernistic and Post-modernistic theory on Christian unity. Findings reveal that a bibliohistorical hermeneutical principle of interpretation is deemed appropriate for the understanding of Christian unity. If the church accepts the suggestions provided in this study, the true sense of unity among the Christian churches or denomination will be inexorable.