Ecumentalism

[Stan]

I remember selling books that talk about Ecumentalism. Basically stated people were to all join together and believe the same things.

My mingling with such groups is more the opposite, to celebrate the difference and share them.

Some examples would be to reach out and feed the homeless etc. Organize it so the homeless get fed, and everyone gets to be involved every month.

I am involved with an Adventist group the provides sustainable living and training to be self-supporting so they can have food and clean water year round. Much of this is paid for by a a group of concerned Churches for these areas of the world

The Adventist Church has 'boots on the ground' in almost all places that are needed.

It is AMAZING how much respect the other Churches have for this ecumenical activity we provide.

Thoughts?

[Sojourner]

Its interesting to note that Ellen White talks about how Gods people are found in all different churches including the catholic church. I have always viewed denominations as being a positive thing that brings both administration to the body of Christ and ensures that gifts and talents of the members can be used in different settings.

Each denomination has things in it that others can learn from and was often raised up for a purpose, here is a very brief list,

Russian Orthodox, - Holders of liturgical material pre the Catholic / Orthodox split - their liturgy comes from Constantinople and could not be influenced or corrupted because of the language barrier. The first denomination to make the Russian version of the Bible available via printed copies for the common person to be read to or to read if they could read. Their existance saw the conversion of millions of people from Islam and other religions to Christianity as Islam receded from the baltic areas.

Anglican (Episcopal) - Split from the Catholic church and opened the door for the Baptist then Seventh Day Baptists to begin in England.

Methodist - Arminianism, Salvation for all, Whosoever will, background of Ellen White

Salvation Army - Christianity for the poor.

Seventh Day Baptist - First denomination to turn back to the Sabbath, influenced the new generation of Millerites to do the same.

Assemblies of God - Spiritual Gifts, Recognizing the Holy Spirit as being truly equal in the Trinity.

Open Brethren - Biblical model of leadership, role of Elders and Deacons to run churches by what the Bible says, not what tradition says.

Its great to hear that other churches are embracing areas of the SDA, its a two way street and I hope we are able to meet them with that same challenge!

[JoeMo]

I have often wondered why many Christian missionaries insist on bringing non-believers into their specific denominations. I support an organization of frontier missionaries who work to bring Jesus to places where no one has even heard of Him. There are other Christian denominations who work in some of the same areas; and they seem to "compete" with one another for followers - sometimes to the point of hostility.

Instead of competing with each other for denominational groupies, why can't all Christian denominations in a given region work together to bring people to Christ; and let them discover the unique path God has for each of them. It isn't Adventism, Catholicism, or Methodism that saves us. It isn't some fine detail of the Law found only in a couple of bible verses that saves us (it isn't even the law that saves us). We are saved by the grace, mercy and forgiveness found through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Lead people to a loving and trusting in Jesus; and let the Holy Spirit "indoctrinate" them.

[BobRyan]

I remember selling books that talk about Ecumentalism. Basically stated people were to all join together and believe the same things.

My mingling with such groups is more the opposite, to celebrate the difference and share them.

Some examples would be to reach out and feed the homeless etc. Organize it so the homeless get fed, and everyone gets to be involved every month.

I am involved with an Adventist group the provides sustainable living and training to be self-supporting so they can have food and clean water year round. Much of this is paid for by a a group of concerned Churches for these areas of the world

The Adventist Church has 'boots on the ground' in almost all places that are needed.

It is AMAZING how much respect the other Churches have for this ecumenical activity we provide.

Thoughts?

Ellen White condemned a certain form of ecumenical-ism and also praised the form of it that involved joining with the Women's Christian Temperance Union promoting prohibition.

So in a certain context it was good - and in another it would be wrong.

The details are interesting in this case.