Christian Unity Research Articles

Mariology in the Documents of Ecumenical Dialogue and Christian Unity

Ecumenical dialogues that seek to bring all followers of Christ closer to unity face many difficulties. One of them is the wrong understanding of ecumenism (doctrinal, spiritual and practical). Also an obstacle is the lack of distinction between the unity of Christians and the unity of the Churches. This article undertakes the presentation of another such difficulty in the path of Christian unity, which is the Mariological (doctrinal) and Marian (worship/devotion) issues. Ecumenical meetings, therefore, do not avoid such difficult topics concerning the Mother of the Lord, such as her virginity, Immaculate Conception, Assumption or her role as Mother of the Church. Many Christian traditions have different interpretations of these truths. Catholic and Orthodox communities even consider them an inalienable part of their spiritual heritage, while most Protestant communities have a more nuanced approach and do not accept these truths as binding, but reject them. A compilation of the documents to date relating to the Mother of God proves to be a big, positive surprise. Of course, these are writings of varying degrees of validity, as they come as much from international mixed official commissions as from national bilateral bodies or local debates. Nevertheless, both their prominence and impact, as well as their quantity, make it clear that the person and action of the Mother of Jesus nevertheless animates and strengthens the difficult rapprochement of the followers of her Divine Son.

Об актуальности наследия Вл.С. Соловьева

The general characteristics of the materials of the International “Round table” “Relevance of V.S. Solovyov's legacy: philosophy, philology, cultural studies (modernity calls and possible answers)” devoted to the discussion of the problems of V.S. Solovyov's legacy research are presented. The initiator and organizer of the scientific event was the editorial board of the journal “Solovyov studies”. The discussion was attended by Russian and foreign specialists – philosophers, philologists, cultural scientists from the largest universities and academic centers in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Ivanovo, Nizhny Novgorod, Kaliningrad, Kostroma, Saransk, Astrakhan. Foreign participants are researchers of V.S. Solovyov's legacy from Italy, Spain, and France. It is noted that the discussion participants focused on the problems of historiography and source studies of Russian philosophy in general and the legacy of V.S. Solovyov. The relevance of the ethical vector of his historiosophical ideas is pointed out to the philosophical unreasonableness and politicization of modern attacks on Solovyov's legacy, the lack of a fundamental scientific and philosophical research program. Attention is drawn to the need for further research into the historical and philosophical context of the formation of V.S. Solovyov's philosophical views and their influence on the subsequent development of culture, on the prospects of the projects “logic of unity” and “philosophy of neo-unity” being developed. The relevance of the idea of Christian unity by V.S. Solovyov is noted. Promising directions for further philological study of his work are revealed. The role of the journal “Solovyov Studies” in the development of Russian and foreign Solovyov studies is determined.

Catholic Christians reject Protestants’ criticism and retaliate in their prayers

Christianity pledges the peaceful acceptance of attacks but elicited numerous intergroup conflicts. This contradiction may arise from basic group-processes, including the rejection of intergroup criticism. Catholic Christians (Experiment 1, N = 322, online; Experiment 2, N = 252 in-person survey during Church activities) responded to criticism of their faith that was either attributed to a fellow Catholic or a Protestant commenter. Criticism from a Protestant (vs. Catholic) source was rated to be less constructive, more threatening, and ascribed worse commenter characteristics. Outgroup criticism did not change support for the unity of Christians (ecumenism, Experiment 1) but increased the likelihood of praying for the commenter (Experiment 2). The content of outgroup-directed prayers was hostile. Effects emerged independent of reported fundamentalism and in a context highly conducive to inter-denomination debate. These findings demonstrate that religious group processes can evoke counter-normative defenses, thus spurring conflict. Understanding these processes may help mend divided societies.

Chiesa d’Oriente e Chiesa d’Occidente

Christian unity has always been a desire and a challenge in the history of Christianity. The schism of 1054 is thus a symbolic moment of constant challenge. The present text seeks to make a journey along the path of ecumenical dialogue, especially between the Catholic Church and the Eastern Churches, trying to understand the reasons for separation and, at the same time, the effort to find a way of dialogue. The basis of the research are the documents developed by the Catholic Church, and those prepared in collaboration with other Churches. He also wishes to reflect on the traditions of the Christian East, with the aim of promoting the ecumenical journey of believers in Christ towards full communion and unity. It highlights the role of the Second Vatican Council and its consequences for ecumenical dialogue, highlighting the relationship with the Eastern Churches, especially after the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe. It also underlines the magisterial role of Popes Paul VI and John Paul II, who continued ecumenical dialogue in the commitment to make the Church breathe with both lungs. On this journey we have moved from the dialogue of charity to the dialogue of truth. The steps taken in recent years are described with the documents resulting from the dialogue: Monaco (1982), Bari (1987), Valamo (1988), Balamand (1993), Ravenna (2007), Chieti (2016) and Alessandria (2023).

A dinâmica da experiência crente

Commemorating the 60th anniversary of Unitatis Redintegratio, a text expressing the ecumenical dimension of the entire Second Vatican Council, we propose a rereading of Paul Tillich's work, Dynamics of Faith. Although relatively unknown, this work remains inspiring and pertinent to the theme of restoring Christian unity, as well as to the ecclesial and social challenges of ecumenical dialogue and practice in the contemporary world. Firstly, we present Tillich's formal definition of faith as the "ultimate concern" of existence, aiming to embrace the constitutive aspects of the act of believing and thus allow for a greater scope and macro-ecumenical dialogue. Secondly, we highlight how Tillich defends the symbolic nature of faith before characterizing specific religious symbols. Thirdly, we show that the Lutheran theologian proposes a typology of faith, positioned between presence and becoming. Fourthly, we tackle the question of the truth of faith and its criteria. Finally, we conclude with Tillich reaffirming the experience of faith in its relation to life.

Unity in Christ: Bishops, Synodality, and Communion Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP with a foreword by Cardinal Mario Grech, The Catholic University of America Press, Washington, DC, 2023, xi + 169 pp (paperback $25), ISBN: 978-0-8132-3731-2

Unity in Christ: Bishops, Synodality, and Communion Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP with a foreword by Cardinal Mario Grech, The Catholic University of America Press, Washington, DC, 2023, xi + 169 pp (paperback $25), ISBN: 978-0-8132-3731-2

Biblical reconciliation: Preaching unity in the face of Christian nationalism and political schism

The post-Obama era in the United States has been marked by a deepening political divide, particularly within the Christian community, influenced by Christian nationalism and its entanglement with evangelical theology. This article examines the roots of this divide, tracing its origins to the fusion of White evangelical identity with national identity and the politicization of evangelical beliefs. Drawing on 2 Cor 5:10-20, the article explores the apostle Paul’s emphasis on Christ’s reconciling love and the believer’s role as ambassador of reconciliation. Analyzing the impact of divisive identity politics and ideological polarization on the unity of the Christian community, the article proposes a return to preaching the transformative power of Christ’s love to disentangle believers from political schisms while nurturing unity. The ministry of reconciliation is not merely a theoretical concept but a practical imperative for actively bridging divides and sharing the message of unity in Christ. Through a radical shift in perspective, focusing on Christ’s love rather than ideological positions, a Gospel-centered approach enables navigating political tensions and fosters unity within the body of Christ. Ultimately, preaching unity amid political schisms is not only a theological mandate but essential for embodying the transformative message of the Gospel in a divided world.

Angélique Keturah Walker‐Smith. Ahead of Her Time: Pan‐African Women of Faith and the Vision of Christian Unity, Mission, and Justice. Geneva: World Council of Churches, 2023. 113 pp.

Angélique Keturah Walker‐Smith. Ahead of Her Time: Pan‐African Women of Faith and the Vision of Christian Unity, Mission, and Justice. Geneva: World Council of Churches, 2023. 113 pp.

Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification

AbstractThe year 2024 marks 25 years since the Lutheran World Federation and the Catholic Church signed the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (JDDJ), along with an Official Common Statement and an attached Annex, on 31 October 1999. In reflecting upon the JDDJ, this article attempts to evaluate the impact of the declaration by addressing the following questions: What did the JDDJ accomplish, and what did it fail to achieve? What progress has been made since 1999 to build on the work of the JDDJ? What work still needs to be done moving forward in Catholic–Lutheran dialogue? The article concludes that the JDDJ has had a ground‐breaking impact in ecumenical dialogue – both in and beyond the Catholic–Lutheran context – that continues to unfold today. While there is a long way to go in the ecumenical venture, the JDDJ represents a pivotal moment and a sign of hope for visible Christian unity, which is the goal of ecumenism.

José Míguez Bonino and the Third-World Challenge to the Ecumenical Movement

precis: This essay examines the role of José Míguez Bonino as a Latin American Protestant observer at both Vatican II and the CELAM Conference in Medellin (1968), as well as his active participation in World Council of Churches and Faith and Order meetings. It explores his impact on the solidification of Latin American ecumenism, particularly through his critical engagement of the "ecumenical establishment" and his emphasis on the "social question" in addressing overlaps and tensions between Christian unity and social justice. It ultimately argues that Bonino contributed to the rise of an ecumenical liberation Christianity and a third-world ecumenical perspective that continues to be significant for ecumenical practice and theology today.

Inescapable "absurdity": Rethinking Luther and Calvin’s view of “presence of the body of Christ” in the Lord’s Supper

Given the general lack of understanding among Chinese Protestant churches regarding the " Eucharistic theology" in the tradition of the Reformation, as well as the challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic to administration of the sacrament, this article comparatively analyzes Martin Luther and John Calvin's understanding of the "presence of the body of Christ" in the Lord's Supper. This not only involves differences in their respective views on the sacrament but also the underlying theological debates regarding "Christology" and hermeneutics, particularly concerning the relationship between "faith" and "reason." The article emphasizes the necessity of re-focusing the "presence of the body of Christ," which not only clarifies orthodox Christological thoughts, but also concerns the realistic practice of "communion and unity in Christ." Through examining the theological expositions of Luther and Calvin, this article offers new insights into the understanding of the "presence of the body of Christ" in the Lord's Supper and provides a theological foundation for the contemporary church to administrate the sacrament during extraordinary times. This will help Chinese Protestant churches better understand the core significance of the Lord's Supper and promote the ecumenical movement of the universal Church.

“An Exchange of Gifts”: Benedict XVI’s Eucharistic Ecclesiology as an Approach to Ecumenism

Christian unity, or the “ecumenical movement,” is one of Joseph Ratzinger’s (turn Benedict XVI) most apparent apostolates during his Pontificate. His thought on the matter is a development of the theologies developed in the Second Vatican Council’s Lumen Gentium and John Paul II’s Ut Unum Sint, borrowing the words “exchange of gifts,” which affirms elements of sanctification present in churches “separated” from Rome. This work will expand on how Benedict XVI’s teachings about the Eucharist as the Sacrament of Unity gained merit in the Church’s ecumenical movement. This theology can be described as a “Eucharistic Ecclesiology,” and it has earlier codification made formal through the thought of Henri de Lubac. It will be done firstly through an exposition of de Lubac’s commentary in Mystici Corporis, which confirms the origins of Eucharistic Ecclesiology through Patristic and Pauline theology. Next is a look at Pope Benedict XVI’s interjection of this theology into his ecumenical thought with a particular emphasis on the essentialities of the ontological reality of the Church, the shared Christian traditions, and “spiritual ecumenism.” In the final discussions, we shall include a quick run through his Pontificate’s ecumenical initiatives where the teachings about Eucharistic Ecclesiology are dispersed in various circumstances.

Two in one: contradictory Christology without gluts?

The central thesis of JC Beall’s paraconsistent Christology is that Christ, being human and divine, is a contradictory being, and a rational Christology can accept it, since logic nowadays does not exclude the possibility of true contradictions. In this paper, I move from Beall’s theory and I present an alternative view. I quote seven statements of the so-called ‘Athanasian Creed’ which synthesizes the results of conciliar Christology. The aim of the Creed is to combat monophysitism by stressing the duplicity and unity of Christ: two (incompatible) natures inseparably joined in only one person. I note that the two-in-one principle, so intended, may be seen as an ancestor of what has been called ‘conjunctive paraconsistency’, whereby there could be true contradictions but contradictories cannot be separately true. I specifically oppose this view to Beall’s idea of Christ’s human divinity (or divine humanity) as a glut, showing that in the conjunctive account, true contradictions do not require any overlapping or joint ascription of truth and falsity.

Christ/Antichrist and Buddha/Māra

ABSTRACT Jung’s view of God as a unity of Christ and Antichrist was rejected by Western theological circles, but a convergence can be found in Chinese Buddhist thought. Both Jungian psychology and Tiantai Buddhism believe that evil is intrinsic to the nature of God/Buddha, which is actually a manifestation of human nature. Only a God/Buddha with a paradoxical and antinomial character could provide a logical explanation for the paradox of the existence of evil and a Supreme Being. And both suggest that for the well-being of the human psyche, people should recognize evil and integrate it into a pursuit of good.

Achieving Unity amidst Diversity in Christian Doctrines Beliefs and Practices: An In-Depth Analysis

Pursuing unity within the diverse landscape of Christian doctrines, beliefs, and practices is a perpetual challenge that has marked the history of Christianity. This paper delves into the intricate dynamics of fostering unity amidst theological diversity, doctrinal traditions, and varied expressions of faith within the Christian community. By analyzing the theological underpinnings of unity in Christianity, including core doctrines like the divinity of Christ and the authority of Scripture, the paper underscores the foundational principles that bind believers together. Despite these shared tenets, divergent interpretations, emphases, and nuances have given rise to doctrinal variations across Christian denominations. Moreover, the paper delves into the historical evolution of doctrinal discrepancies in Christianity, examining the origins of significant schisms, theological disputes, and doctrinal contentions that have influenced the multifaceted tapestry of Christian beliefs and practices. These historical fractures continue to shape interdenominational relations and interactions among Christians. Practical strategies for promoting unity amid doctrinal diversity are also explored, emphasizing the significance of ecumenical dialogues, interfaith collaborations, and initiatives to foster reconciliation and mutual comprehension. Recognizing and honouring the diverse spectrum of beliefs and practices while seeking common ground is pivotal in nurturing unity within the Christian community. In conclusion, the paper underscores the importance of balancing unity and diversity in Christian traditions, celebrating the richness and complexity that diversity engenders while upholding the shared faith that unites believers across doctrinal boundaries. Through respectful dialogue, humility, and an embrace of the diverse facets of the body of Christ, Christians can endeavour towards a more profound unity that transcends doctrinal discrepancies, fostering a spirit of love and fellowship within the Church. Keywords: Divergent, Christian Doctrines, Beliefs, Practices, Unity, Coherence, Christian, Christian Faith, Implications

가톨릭대학교 종교교육과 학교사목에 대한 비평적 고찰

[Objective] The purpose of this study is to analyze the positive results and tasks that the Catholic University of Korea has achieved through curricular and extra-curricular areas and pastoral care.
 [Contents] First, in the curricular area, the Catholic University of Korea educates the value of a culture of human respect based on the Catholic spirit through four basic liberal arts courses and the ‘Catholic Metaversity’. But a new chaplain’s office is needed to oversee the holistic education and the proclamation of the Gospel. In the extra-curricular area, various opportunities for volunteer work are provided to help students respect Catholic humanism. But it is necessary to add programs related to Christian unity and interreligious dialogue. Lastly, in relation to pastoral care, the chaplain’s office not only helps the community mature in faith, but also strives to testify the teachings of Jesus Christ through life. There is a need for the community to be open to non-Catholic and foreign members.
 [Conclusions] First, helping students discover the value of human respect through the curricular area and putting that value into practice through the extra-curricular area and the pastoral care is the most ideal missionary method in a ‘secularized’ society. Second, it must be shown that academic exchange between science and theology is possible in a ‘highly industrial’ society. Lastly, the heritage of the Catholic faith can be further enriched through close exchange with neighboring religions in a ‘multi-religious’ society.

“Liturgy and Ecumenism, Contexts and Challenges”: A Glance from the African Context

Ecumenical activities in East and West Africa, though modest, represent significant strides for Christianity in the continent of Africa. The narrative in this article, deliberately tilted toward African agency, is an attempt to capture aspects of the story. It begins with the ecumenical liturgical performance of Catholic Kongo-Angola slaves soliciting Holy Communion from Anglican divines, in South Carolina, early in the eighteenth century. Its impact in the overall understanding of ecumenism from the African context is underlined. Next, the article shifts to eastern and western Africa, where a divisive colonial Christian agenda was propagated, and, at the same time, contained, thanks to the initiative of African leadership, guided by the Holy Spirit. Further samples of the Holy Spirit guiding the community to Christian unity are drawn from the witness of the Ugandan martyrs. The article also refers to the liturgical melding of Christian denominations in the Charismatic and Pentecostal patterns of worship as an important statement on liturgical ecumenism.

The Circumcising Antichrist in the Credo of Gregory of Tours: Sources, Context, and Influence

Abstract In the personal credo that prefaces his Decem libri historiarum, Gregory of Tours states his belief in an Antichrist who would impose circumcision upon his subjects. While Gregory did not invent this theme of a circumcising Antichrist, it nevertheless closely mirrored his own eschatological anxieties. Physical circumcision was, for Gregory, an unmistakable indicator of Judaism and the Old Law. The Bishop of Tours was deeply concerned about the Jews of his own time, whose obstinate refusal to acknowledge Christian truth he perceived as an obstacle to his socio-religious ideal of a unified Christian society. While Gregory did not necessarily believe that the End Times would arrive during his own lifetime, he saw signa of its inevitability everywhere, and consequently encouraged readiness on the part of his contemporaries. The Antichrist’s imposition of compulsory circumcision thus implied for Gregory the culmination of an ongoing effort by Jews to inhibit Christian unity.

Ecumenical Footprints in Nigeria: Pathways and Detours in Search of Christian Unity

The unity of the Persons of the Trinity is the source and highest exemplar of Christian unity which all ecumenical initiatives seek. During his earthly ministry, our Lord Jesus Christ prayed for the unity of Christians (John 17:21). This prayer of Jesus furnishes us with the fundamental inspiration for the ecumenical movement in all its dimensions of expression. Right from the beginning, the Christian church has experienced rifts in both the West and the East. The modern ecumenical movement is an attempt to restore Christian unity against the background of 16th century divisions attendant upon the Protestant Reformation. It is also conducted in hindsight of the Protestant Reformation that the 19th and 20th century missionary activities of Christian churches from Europe in Nigeria took place. Several historical factors have shaped the successes and failures of significant missionary endeavors. This article highlights a few of those historical factors in a bid to identify the roots of discord and footprints of ecumenism at the beginning of the establishment of Christian churches in Nigeria. The goal intended to be realized through this historical excursus is to engender a livelier ecumenical hope for Christian unity in Nigeria while maintaining the already-achieved progress made so far, as well as countering further divisions.

Ecumenism in modern Europe: adaptation to secular society

The ecumenism ideology is based on evangelical foundations and is aimed at achieving universal Christian unity. The historical differentiation of Christianity and the various circumstances of the church organizations development have caused the ecumenical movement internal heterogeneity. Each of the Christianity directions is guided by its own theological interpretation of ecumenism. Doctrinal agreement of these interpretations cannot be achieved. The political situation in the world and the situation of national churches within countries also hinder organizational unification. Therefore, ecumenical organizations, mainly the World Council of Churches and the Conference of European Churches, develop dialogue and cooperation programs aimed at Eucharistic and liturgical communication between different Christian confessions believers, as well as joint social services of representatives of different churches. The ecumenical movement in the twentieth century developed almost synchronously with the deployment of large-scale secularization. The secular nature of modern European societies determines the priority of social activity over theological activity in the ecumenical movement. The dependence of international ecumenical organizations on current politics is also obvious - they currently follow the European Union governing bodies’ ideo-logical rhetoric. The current situation of the ecumenical movement cannot be called a crisis, rather, there is a transformation into a new state - going beyond intra-Christian cooperation and inclusion in an interreligious dialogue, as well as in a dialogue with non-religious institutions of modern society.