This continues my thoughts and insights gained from a Church history course.

It was said Luther didn’t intend to leave the Catholic Church when he started causing protestations surrounding the abuse of selling indulgences. Doctrinal differences may have surfaced later on and had indeed reinforced the establishment of Protestantism. The many splits had continued into other denominations, and interestingly, the complete separation of these denominations from the Catholic Church was realized slowly but intensely at a much later time. Although there were counter-reformation efforts, the foundation had been set for other churches to thrive.

Today, the Church is big on ecumenism by contacting other religions for dialogues, particularly Islam and Anglicanism. We’re all aware that Islam came about from Muhammad because of the many factors during the Dark Ages – geography, language, and the rediscovery of Greek philosophy, among others. The rise of fundamentalists that harmed Islam almost appeared like a self-inflicted wound that hampered the momentum of its intellectual growth and the full formation of the Islamic doctrine. Although in a different matter, and it may not be the purpose of ecumenism, some Anglican churches were even returning to the Catholic Church.

For me, the spirit of ecumenism is genuinely heartfelt and a way to peace and brother/sisterhood that would foster unity despite the differences. With the various interpretations of sacred writings – the Bible, the Koran, or the Torah – a healthy intellectual and philosophical debate may not be impossible among the learned towards a meaningful dialogue, which, I believe, every believer prays for and desires. Nonetheless, the impact on the Faithful must be a significant talking point in any ecumenical conference. Ecumenism is such a phenomenon that transcends time, geography, cultures and languages. I would be eager to explore ecumenism regarding the Church’s relations with various states and nations. Additionally, I haven’t attended a formal dialogue with other denominations and religions, but from my personal experience, friendships could exist and survive among people of various backgrounds.

Despite all imperfections, I believe and trust that the Church has been guided by the Spirit right from the Pentecost. Intellectualism, reason and faith have stood. However, since there are attributes to mystery beyond reason, I think the status quo might also be an option for peace’s sake regarding ecumenism. This is not to say that in-depth and healthy debates could not happen. In one way or another, we experience dialogues with friends, relatives, and close families that may or may not have resulted in an ideal way. The Fathers of the Church, our pastors, and the religious and lay leaders are instruments who can help us seek wisdom.

Challenging is the word that comes to mind to hopefully balance the commonalities we hold onto and the differences in our beliefs in the spirit of ecumenism. Exposure to many ways of expressing faith is an excellent way to become aware of these practices. I believe that our Catechism is another source from which people can gain knowledge and faith. An appreciation of our heritage is an exciting pursuit.

Missions

Courageous and heroic were the words that identified the missionaries. There must have been a sense of adventure to go across the turbulence of the seas and the obstacles of new lands. The numerous religious orders and explorers had set sail to discover a new world from Europe and around the globe. This adventure might have created a feeling of openness among the travellers to what was new and strange. There might also have been an anticipation for the King’s reward when they returned home. It was quite an effort and much sacrifice for those early missionaries when voyages across an ocean could mean death for a thousand reasons. The bravery they’ve shown to conquer the fear of new lands and new peoples could not be more tangible. What a culture shock it was! I could only wonder: what made them do it and why?

Along with the missions were mandates of the monarchies, like Spain and Portugal, to colonize and conquer different cultures. Some others set out to find spice and exotic resources. Although the missionaries were striving for holiness, adverse effects on other cultures had subsequently called for respect, justice, mea culpa, reconciliation, and healing. The State and Church co-mingled in those times. The ugly history of how colonialism caused slavery and how conquerors acted in the name of the Cross is something that still needs to be realized today.

Missionaries were called to monastic and scholastic practices, holiness, and martyrdom. Many of these missionaries became saints. I’m inclined to think that many are still on their way to sainthood today. With Vatican II’s aim to empower, laypersons are also called to do the same.

With intellectualism that has matured over the centuries, the conciliar invitations and the Pope’s call to peace for all peoples empower each layperson to partake in the Church’s overall mission. We have greatly learned from the past, and it is up to us, the Church – the fullness of Christ, to respond to the Call. The Rules of the early Fathers in monasteries that promoted contemplative ways overflowed into the action of the missions. The Jesuits, Dominicans, Franciscans, and Carmelites may all have bickered and quarrelled but were united to serve one aim: to spread the Word.

In more recent times, many have taken similar perilous voyages. We heard of colonizers, along with them were missionaries; when they reached a new land, they were friendly to the inhabitants and other times in a more intrusive violence. The inhabitants responded openly to Christianity, although some were more open than others. There were conversions and resistance. Chaos and unrest were caused along the way, and lives were lost. What struck me most from this knowledge was how the Cross, the Word, and the sword influenced newly found cultures. There was a certain appeal to people.

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*The link to the Catholic World Report article is: https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2023/07/20/ultramontanism-redivivus/

C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity

McGonigle, Thomas D. & Quigley, James, A History of the Christian Tradition: From the Reformation to the Present (Paulist Press, 1996). Text used in the course Church History 2 at the University of Dayton’s Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation.

Ignatius Press, 2002. The Ignatius Bible. Kindle Edition.