I am in the throes of my busy season as a tentmaker, so this month's newsletter will again be short. It relates to "tentmaking," but in another sense. Ecumenism relates to the "Oikos" - the house or tent of God. The ecumenical movement seeks to unite those in the "inhabited world" under the Christian tent.
Recently I received the following comment on my blog:
"Any ex-Catholic out there who would like to engage in an ecumenical dialogue in charity and love, one subject at a time, on Catholic doctrine, be my guest." This comment got me to thinking, "What is the proper method of ecumenical dialog?" I think the apostle Paul speaks of four rules that should be followed when engaging in ecumenical discussions: The Four Rules Rule #1 - Both parties must be Christian. The people of the "done" religion may not seek agreement with the people of the "do" religions. Paul warns: "Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness ... or what agreement has the temple of God with idols?" 2 Cor. 6:14,16. Rule #2 - The topic must be important, preferably critical. The gospel is critical, whether a woman should wear head coverings is not.
Paul warns: "But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels." 2 Tim. 2:23.
Rule #3 - The tone of the discussions must be respectful.
Paul warns: "The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth." 2 Tim. 2:24-25.
Rule #4 - We must be on the lookout for sheep in wolves clothing.
Paul warns: "But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached...or a different gospel... you bear this beautifully." 2 Cor. 11:3-4. Violations of the Ecumenical Rules Here is a link to an ecumenical document that violates Rule #1: It also violates Rule #2, as the focus is on non-essentials and minimizes critical distinctions. Here is an example of a document that meets the first three rules, but violates Rule #4: True Ecumenical Document, with some false ecumenical partners The participation of individuals who sinfully violate rule #1 and remain unrepentant is a great danger both to the truth of the gospel and to the souls of the unrepentant. The true ecumenists should have demanded repentance from men such as J.I. Packer before allowing him to sign, as Paul confronted Peter when he was not straightforward with the gospel. Failure to confront these men leads to the appearance of approving their works. The call to public repentance prevents the dilution of the gospel, protects the unwary from deception, and precludes the defrauding of Christ of His glory. Here is an example of a document that appears to meet all the rules: True Ecumenical Document, with true ecumenical partners
But even this document has a troubling aspect to it - the move toward apostasy with the passing of time. The first name on the list now has this to say about ecumenical unity with Rome:
John H. Armstrong Statement
Personal Applications I would like to end with some personal applications, for every Christian is both an ecumenist and an evangelist. Every conversation we have is either with a believer or an unbeliever. Our conversations with Believers These should be ecumenical, so that we edify the house of Christ. When I am playing golf with my Christian brothers, my goal is to "let no unwholesome word proceed from my mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification." Easier said than done on the golf course! But that is the goal. Our Conversations with Unbelievers These should be evangelical. We are to "conduct ourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity" and to "let our speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that we would know how we should respond to each person." Again, this is easier said than done. We tend to go to one of two extremes: avoidance or confrontation. How often we violate this principle when we use social media! Our Conversations in Mixed Company These conversations are perhaps the most difficult. My good friend Rob Zins has debated Catholic priests and Catholic apologists numerous times. In such endeavors, he is speaking to a mixed multitude. He is having both an ecumenical and an evangelical discussion at the same time, since both Catholics and evangelicals are in attendance. I think the key to such discussions is to be both firm and gentle simultaneously. This requires authenticity, something that today's ecumenical, people-pleasing pseudo-ecumenists lack. Our Conversations with False Ecumenists The most difficult conversation of all is when you must call someone to repentance. When Peter was hypocritical, Paul confronted him to his face, for Peter stood condemned! He was leading astray the house of God, even strong Christians like Barnabas. Praise God that Peter repented of his sinful behavior. Conclusion In all these discussions, we are in desperate need of wisdom, for we have sinful, untameable tongues that are often set on fire by hell. We are to remember when we speak that "God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble." We need to check our motives and our "love meter" when we engage others. May we long to be gracious in all our conversations, and thus bring glory to our precious Savior, Jesus Christ. Covered in Christ, Dale | 
