Ecumenism: Bringing The Wrong Things Together
If someone asked you, a Christian, if you would rather promote divisiveness or a united voice in the Church, what would you say? I’m going to take a bold stance and say you’d probably reject having a divisive spirit in the Church, and friend, I’m 100% with you. What could be sweeter and better for the gospel than Christians standing together for Christ? However, some many believers have the wrong idea about unity, togetherness, and ultimately, who we should yoke with in Christian fellowship. These Christians have taken ecumenism too far, and it is hurting the Church and our witness.
What Is Ecumenism?
When we simplify ecumenism, we have two definitions. The first definition suggests a worldwide unity of all religions. Although that is an interesting topic, we’re going to look at the second definition which says all Christians around the globe should be unified.
Assuming you understand the gospel and that Jesus is “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6), then the first definition should automatically raise a red flag. We can’t be joined in unity in all things with those who reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The second definition, though, sounds safe at first glance. Certainly, there is biblical support for it.
Why So Many Christians Support Ecumenism
The Bible discusses the importance of the body of Christ in several places. The focus is on being as one and living in unity.
“That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:”
John 17:21-22
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
Psalm 133:1
“Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.”
Romans 15:5-7
“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”
1 Corinthians 12:12-13
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
Ephesians 4:4-6
In addition to the clear message given in Scripture, Christians often find themselves drawn together by social and political causes. For instance, conservatives from all kinds of backgrounds will rally around pro-life, economic, and traditional marriage issues. But keep in mind that conservative doesn’t necessarily mean Christian.
Ecumenism With Which “Christians?”
All “Christians” From Around The World
With which Christians are we supposed to be united? Are all Christians created equal, so to speak? Concerning this question, the World Council of Churches (WCC) has the following to say.
“Let me stress that every Christian believer in the twenty-first century, whether you are an Anglican or Alliance, Baptist or Methodist, Roman Catholic or United Church of Christ in the Philippines, has a calling to promote the unity of the church. This is what Christ had fervently prayed for. ‘I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one… that the world may believe…’ (John 17:20-21).” World Council of Churches
Did you catch that the WCC used John 17:20-21 to encourage oneness while ignoring glaring doctrinal differences between these “Christians?” This organization doesn’t care about the differences. They blindly seek unity at the cost of doctrinal integrity. And it’s working…
The WCC claims that it “brings together churches, denominations and church fellowships in more than 120 countries and territories throughout the world, representing over 580 million Christians and including most of the world’s Orthodox churches, scores of Anglican, Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist and Reformed churches, as well as many United and Independent churches. While the bulk of the WCC’s founding churches were European and North American, today most member churches are in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, the Middle East and the Pacific. There are now 352 member churches.”
The Pieces Don’t Go Together
Looking at just a few of these denominations indicates a problem if they want to come together as one. Catholics are works-based and hold their own church traditions to the same level as the Bible. In fact, sometimes, they choose tradition over God’s Word if they are presented with a contradiction.
Lutheranism takes a sacramental view of baptism (which they also perform on infants) and the Lord’s Supper (which adds consubstantiation). None of which are biblical.
Methodists? Which ones? The ones that employ female pastors and deny LGBTQIA+ lifestyles are sinful? Or are we just talking about the conservative Methodists who believe after baptism one works toward salvation in the hope of getting to Heaven?
Do you see a problem?
These three denominations have big differences in how their members practice their faith, but more importantly, in how they believe they will get to Heaven. Salvation looks a little different for each. Not to mention, it looks noticeably different from how the Bible describes it. All these denominations require works, but that’s not God’s way.
No Work Necessary
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:8-10
Our salvation is a free gift from God, and we cannot add or take away from it. Yes, there will be good works from the believer, but she will do them because she is saved and wishes to love and obey the Lord. She doesn’t do them because it helps her prospects for getting into Heaven.
Big Influences For Ecumenism
The WCC is not the only voice pushing ecumenism. Well-known preachers and pastors have been open with their belief that all alleged Christians should stand together with one voice. Let’s take a quick look at two of the biggest influences.
Billy Graham
Billy Graham, famed evangelist, is held up by many believers as the ultimate example of a Christian. Now, I’m not here to poke fun at Graham. Like any man, he made good decisions and bad ones. He had positive attributes and negative ones. Billy Graham wasn’t perfect, and this couldn’t be truer than with his ecumenical approach to ministry.
Graham even won the International Franciscan Award in Minneapolis in April, 1972. The award was presented by Roman Catholic Franciscan Friars for his ecumenism. The award was named after St. Francis, a man who believed he was saved by his good works. Billy Graham responded to receiving the award with these words, indicating he believed a works-based salvation was as possible as salvation by grace through faith.
“While I am not worthy to touch the shoe laces of St. Francis, yet this same Christ that called Francis in the 13th century also called me to be one of His servants in the 20th century.” Billy Graham
Rick Warren
Rick Warren is arguably the most popular pastor in the world. Sadly, he is often the face of conservative Christians. Among his many issues (ISSUES, ISSUES, ISSUES), ecumenism in his ministry is one that strongly stands out.
One of the most notable examples is Warren’s close relationship with Catholic Bishop Kevin Vann of Orange County. Both men believe their ecumenical approach to ministry is an example for everyone to follow. In fact, Warren believes Catholics and Southern Baptists are brothers in Christ. Catholicism teaches a strict works-based system and many believe Catholicism is the “true” Church. Meanwhile, Southern Baptists believe in salvation by grace through faith and reject all of the traditionally Catholic beliefs and practices. Both denominations cannot be true at once. So how could they possibly both be Christians? Well, Rick Warren has answers. We’re all playing in the same league, according to him.
“Again, I completely agree with my friend. The Bible mentions the same three benefits that Kevin just did: Psalm 133:1 says ‘How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!’ Then Ecclesiastes 4:9 says ‘Two are better than one, because they get more done together.’ And finally, our Lord Jesus Christ told us in John 13:35 that our love for each other is the proof of our faith: ‘This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’”
Rick Warren on Crux
Ecumenicism Across Denominations?
Rick Warren is also known for trying to build bridges between Christians and other religions. Namely, he has spoken to Muslim groups for various reasons over the years. His aim isn’t to share the gospel which is something for which I would cheer. Instead, he wants Christians and Muslims to work together for social good while maintaining their personal religious beliefs.
The Baptist Press described a speech Warren gave at the Islamic Society of North America annual convention in 2009. “During his 20-minute address, Warren set forth four specific ways Muslims and Christians can work together, ‘maintaining our separate traditions, maintaining our convictions without compromise,’ for the world’s greater good.” His speech is embedded below.
It’s no wonder Christians embrace ecumenism when giants among Christians such as Billy Graham and Rick Warren promote it. On the other hand, it’s happening on a smaller scale, too.
Community Unity
All three of the churches my husband has had the privilege to pastor have been located in small, relatively rural towns. Residents of small towns have a deep sense of community and often construct their identities, in part, around the town in which they reside.
That community vibe, though a wonderful way to live, has led to difficult decisions for my husband and our churches. Each town has hosted a community church service. Early on, we attended one, and a female pastor preached and led the people through Lord’s Supper with her husband passing out the bread. I was so uncomfortable that I chose not to partake, and I vowed to never attend one of those services again.
Choosing not to attend a community church service can be intimidating because the decision will step on some toes. Some churches involved, though, were not gospel preaching churches that faithfully taught Bible truths. What business does a Bible-believing Christian have in spiritual fellowship with churches like that? I mean, are those actually Christian churches? Nonetheless, numerous towns across America put on these inter-denominational services, and any “good” Christian is expected to attend.
Ecumenism Makes A Large Umbrella
Christianity is like a large umbrella. It covers a lot of denominations. Discerning Christians realize that there are denominations that directly oppose Bible teaching while calling themselves Christian. Still others under the umbrella term of Christianity teach a watered down or culturally sensitive gospel. Although it might make us sound judgmental (the greatest social sin of them all), we need to stand firm in our opposition to false Christianity and its churches.
Ecumenism, yoking and unifying with all kinds of “Christians,” only welcomes more groups under the umbrella who don’t deserve the title of Christian. For example, Mormons insist on being called Christians while rejecting free and complete forgiveness from God without works. They also believe they will become gods of their own planets one day if they earn it.
Additionally, Jehovah’s Witnesses consider themselves Christians, but they reject the deity of Christ and His bodily resurrection.
Catholics say they’re Christians and believe they’re the original church of Jesus Christ. However, they are works-based, pray to dead people, and do not accept the Bible as the ultimate authority regarding our faith. They use the Bible plus what the Catholic Church has added (e.g., decrees from the Council of Trent).
I can’t move on until I mention progressive churches that consider themselves Christian. These churches support LGBTQIA+ acceptance in the Church, encourage deconstruction, push feminist agendas, and are open to upheaving the faith because they have bought into the idea that Christianity is misogynistic and old-fashioned.
These groups can call themselves Christian all day, but God’s Word addresses this issue directly. Few will find that narrow way to eternal life. Our umbrella term of Christianity and ecumenical approach to faith doesn’t reflect the eternal reality.
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
Matthew 7:13-14
There will be many people claiming they’ve done good works in Jesus’ name, yet Jesus will turn them away because they were never born again (John 3:3-7).
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
Matthew 7:21-23
Why We Should Think Twice About Ecumenism
Our top priorities as believers should be to live in obedience to God, share the gospel with unbelievers, and discipleship. When we practice ecumenism, we jeopardize those priorities. How can I correctly share the gospel alongside a Catholic, for example? Our understanding of this Christianity 101 topic is vastly different. The same goes for discipleship. I wouldn’t tell a new believer, for instance, to complete the sacraments to grow closer to God. While a Catholic would argue the Lord’s Supper in my Baptist church is not sufficient because communion in her church teaches that the “bread” is the literal body of Jesus Christ. We aren’t able to unite as one body because, sadly, I think we belong to different bodies.
“But, Julie, think about the greater good. The cause is worth it. We can all stand together in Jesus’ name for the right cause.” Hmm. Be careful. When I stand shoulder to shoulder with “Christians” and acting as one, I’m giving out a very strong message. I am affirming that church’s beliefs. How can I later correct someone’s incorrect doctrine when they’ve seen me yoke in ministry with someone who carries that same incorrect doctrinal belief?
It’s true that some issues draw us together because we’re conservative and share similar morals, but the gospel is more important than any of those causes. Please, take note that I’m not saying a believer can’t volunteer or work somewhere for a social cause in mixed company. For instance, if you volunteer at a pregnancy center, I’d be shocked if you didn’t find Catholics there, too. Volunteering in the same center doesn’t mean you have to validate Catholicism’s false gospel.
The Bible
The Bible warns against yoking with the world and concerning ourselves too much with it. What could be more worldly than man-made works-based faiths masquerading as Christianity? Believers have no business yoking with unbelievers. This couldn’t be more true than within ministry.
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”
2 Corinthians 6:14
Expect fakes. They might look the part, but discern who they are by their teaching.
“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
The world wants sound doctrine less than ever. Churches want to engage in ecumenism because it attracts crowds. Nominal Christians want to go somewhere they think acceptance is common and judgment is absent. Instead of the truth, they want their own version of the truth.
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
2 Corinthians 4:3-4
Final Thought
Before linking arms, ask yourself two questions: Is the gospel being sidelined for the sake of a cause and/or unity? Is biblical doctrine being polluted for ecumenism? Use caution because the counterfeits can be incredibly convincing.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. What do you think about ecumenism? Yay or nay?
Image courtesy of Tim Marshall via Unsplash.
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