Ecumenism is simply a movement that promotes cooperation and better understanding among different religious denominations; aimed at universal Christian unity.
There are some social advantages of ecumenism especially in moral issues, political issues, and social issues. For example, in politics, all religious groups are against corruption. Through ecumenism, together, we can have a joint protest against corruption, against divorce, or abortion etc.
But ecumenism should have a border line. Even though many religious leaders now promotes ecumenism, I believe that Evangelical Christians should draw a line between ecumenism and faith. The main problem with ecumenism is the compromise that it promotes between denominations of different set of doctrines.
To make it clear, ecumenical social,moral, and political movements can be helpful. But on the other hand, ecumenical worship and faith movements is a compromise and being equally yoked with unbelievers. Furthermore, ecumenical faith movements is basically a New Age Movement, which is cultic and totally a false belief of telling people that there are lots of ways to go to heaven.
I really don’t believe in an “ecumenical worship service”. There is no such thing in the Bible that teaches us to have a joint worship service with people who does not have the same faith as us. Here’s what the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 6:14:
14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Paul was very clear that we should not have something to do with people who does not really believe the Lord. There is no relationship between darkness and light. And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?
In my personal conviction, having a worship service together with unbelievers, being them as worship leaders is beyond the border line of faith and compromise.
Furthermore, if the unbelievers are the leaders of worship, it is a clear indication that they are the one who is influencing us, rather than us influencing them. And I think it’s foolishness to say that we can still become a light in the midst of this people in that particular situation. How can we be a light to them when we already have put off the light that should be seen in the midst of darkness by compromising our faith?
Ecumenism on the part of the Catholics, is bringing the “lost” brethren back to Catholicism. However, Catholicism has gone beyond the doctrinal standards of the Bible, thus, preaching a totally different gospel to what was preached by Paul and all other disciples.
The Bible is very clear is saying:
“But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any gospel other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed.” (Galatians 1:8)
Obviously, the Roman Catholic Church is not preaching what was preached by Jesus nor by the apostles. Instead, they have put in themselves idolatry deceiving many.
To Evangelical Christians, I do hope that we will stand to what is right, to what is true, to what is pleasing to God. Let us continue to read our Bibles so that no one can deceive us.
Vince’s last blog post..Setting The Borderline for Ecumenism