I feel we are getting a bit side tracked here. Ecumenism is not intended
to
replace our own faith. Nor is it intended as a vehicle to impose our faith on
other denominations. I feel the purpose of ecumenism is to celebrate the
similarities while acknowledging the differences -- to find common ground.
Dialogue should not have a hidden agenda to "convert". Dialogue should be seen
in the larger context of trying to understand each other, learn from each other.
Trying to see where all we can work together(and we owe it to Christ to try to
find common ground, inspite of our differences). A superiority complex (a
feeling that only my way is right) will not help further this cause. We need
openness to accept differences. The work of several of our leaders like Paulose
Mar Gregorios Thirumeni and many others are to be seen in this context. Because
of their works in the ecumenical field, the world knows about our Church, our
faith and traditions today, and the exposure of these leaders to platforms like
the WCC have helped the church and us understand a bit more why others think and
act differently. So the importance of ecumenism in a multi faceted world cannot
be ignored.
That being said, we should also not try to forgo any of the tenets of our faith
under the pretext of ecumenism. When we try to do that, neither ecumenism gains,
nor does our faith. Having experienced a bit of the winds of ecumenism in a
small way in our little community here in Albany, I speak by experience. An
ecumenical fellowship has its limitations, if all concerned understand that,
then there is much to be gained by the ecumenical movement. An ecumenical
fellowship cannot take the place of our own individual faith based initiatives.
A nurturing in our own faith is very important for spiritual growth and
maturity. Once having gained the basic nurturing from our own faith, an exposure
to the ecumenical movement will help strengthen the Christian principles.
However, if our spiritual nurturing is only on the basis of an ecumenical
movement, I believe it will provide a dilution and erosion of basic faith, and
will only end up in creating a confused spiritual state both for us and for
others.
So an ecumenical movement has its very important place in our society. However
it is to be perused after graduation from the schools of our own individual
basic faith. Then we can help to take ecumenism to a great new level. That is
what our delegates at the WCC like Rev. Fr. K.M. George and HG. Geevarghese Mar
Coorilose are involved in and they deserve our greatest support and
appreciation.
Regards,
Mathew Samuel, Albany, NY.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianOrthodox/message/12195
replace our own faith. Nor is it intended as a vehicle to impose our faith on
other denominations. I feel the purpose of ecumenism is to celebrate the
similarities while acknowledging the differences -- to find common ground.
Dialogue should not have a hidden agenda to "convert". Dialogue should be seen
in the larger context of trying to understand each other, learn from each other.
Trying to see where all we can work together(and we owe it to Christ to try to
find common ground, inspite of our differences). A superiority complex (a
feeling that only my way is right) will not help further this cause. We need
openness to accept differences. The work of several of our leaders like Paulose
Mar Gregorios Thirumeni and many others are to be seen in this context. Because
of their works in the ecumenical field, the world knows about our Church, our
faith and traditions today, and the exposure of these leaders to platforms like
the WCC have helped the church and us understand a bit more why others think and
act differently. So the importance of ecumenism in a multi faceted world cannot
be ignored.
That being said, we should also not try to forgo any of the tenets of our faith
under the pretext of ecumenism. When we try to do that, neither ecumenism gains,
nor does our faith. Having experienced a bit of the winds of ecumenism in a
small way in our little community here in Albany, I speak by experience. An
ecumenical fellowship has its limitations, if all concerned understand that,
then there is much to be gained by the ecumenical movement. An ecumenical
fellowship cannot take the place of our own individual faith based initiatives.
A nurturing in our own faith is very important for spiritual growth and
maturity. Once having gained the basic nurturing from our own faith, an exposure
to the ecumenical movement will help strengthen the Christian principles.
However, if our spiritual nurturing is only on the basis of an ecumenical
movement, I believe it will provide a dilution and erosion of basic faith, and
will only end up in creating a confused spiritual state both for us and for
others.
So an ecumenical movement has its very important place in our society. However
it is to be perused after graduation from the schools of our own individual
basic faith. Then we can help to take ecumenism to a great new level. That is
what our delegates at the WCC like Rev. Fr. K.M. George and HG. Geevarghese Mar
Coorilose are involved in and they deserve our greatest support and
appreciation.
Regards,
Mathew Samuel, Albany, NY.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianOrthodox/message/12195
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