Problem of Unity Between Christian Communities - Essay Example

Ut Unum Sint Introduction Christianity is a major religion of the world with the largest number of adherents. A setof common beliefs, rituals, and rites unite the various believers. However a number of schisms have erupted that has split the Church into different denominations. The historical schisms of Christianity have had a deleterious impact on the morale of the true believers. In recent times there has been a trend towards healing the rifts between the major denominations of the faith. Pope John Paul II spoke the words Ut Unum Sint which translate into “may they be one” as an inspiration to unite the major sects of Christianity (“Ut unum sint”). Unity has been promoted in order to achieve respect, tolerance, and affection for the various denominations. It seeks to create balance and harmony so that Christians can present a consistent framework to spread the faith to non believers. This paper will seek to analyze and assess the key points of the document. Purpose of Unity Pope John Paul II outlines the necessity of achieving unity between the various Christian communities. Unity can be achieved in a systematic manner by promoting tolerance and acceptance. But it should seek to remove the historical misconceptions that have created such a situation. Bias, discrimination, and prejudice need to be filtered out at the grass roots level (“Ut unum sint”). This can be achieved by focusing on the common tenets, beliefs, and values of the faith. An interesting concept is that unity can be accomplished through diversity and acceptance. It should not attempt to impose the beliefs of a particular sect over others. The Pope modestly acknowledges the mistakes made by the Church that have contributed to the rise of historical schisms and divisions. Dedication and Commitment Ecumenism seeks to create a collaborative environment for dialogue and discourse between the major sects of Christianity. It does not create a theological framework that results in a uniform set of beliefs and practices for all Christians. Instead it focuses on creating excellent relations between various denominations. This is necessary to create an atmosphere where the divergent Christian communities admire and respect each other. Jesus Christ was crucified and resurrected for the sole purpose of eliminating hostility among humanity (“Ut unum sint”). Thus it can be seen that the concept of ecumenism derives legitimacy from a fundamental belief of Christianity. The Pope argues that unity is an intrinsic desire of Christians because they grieve about the transgressions that have been perpetrated in the name of the faith. They desire to bridge the gap between the believers through love and affection. They seek to eradicate the remorse and guilt that has been present inside their hearts. This is a natural manifestation of the desire to overcome divisions (“Ut unum sint”). Such divisions in the past have spawned mass killings, instability, corruption, and prejudice in various parts of the world. Dedication and commitment is an integral prerequisite before unity can be attained. Unity is established through the common expression of faith, atonements, and spiritual unions. It is a natural desire for all the believers since they have close empathy with Jesus Christ. This empathy therefore leads to the recognition of God as the most powerful and most merciful (“Ut unum sint”). The believers recognize that their theological differences and divisions can be eradicated by adhering to the common elements of faith and action. This approach leads to the creation of a tolerant and conductive environment. Finally it creates an atmosphere which focuses on the broad values of the Gospel. Truth and Multiple Interpretations The Catholic Church affirms that its values and principles are derived from the practices of Jesus Christ and Apostles. However it recognizes that the understanding of truth can come from alternative sources. The divergent interpretations of Christianity are still based upon the teachings of the Gospel. Further they have managed to create their own methods to attain salvation and deliverance (“Ut unum sint”). Pope John Paul II argues that the lack of unity is due to mistakes committed by every group. However the real bond that holds the divergent Christian communities are the components of consecration and truth. These components include a desire to believe the correct creed and practice the proper actions. God, Christ, and Holy Spirit remain the core creed of many Christian denominations. There are similarities in prayers, fasting, almsgiving, and other rituals. The Eucharist is venerated and eulogized by many Christian communities. It can be concluded that the elements of truth and reality are common for the various denominations. The baptism of Christians belonging to different communities itself creates a semblance of unity and integration. The different interpretations have helped to impart the values of Christianity like love, tolerance, equality, brotherhood, patience, compassion, and grace. Rejuvenation of Faith and Action Ecumenism affirms the diversity of Christianity by recognizing the multiple paths towards the truth. It also states that a partial spiritual union exists between the various communities. The goal is to rejuvenate the faith in manner that it leads to comprehensive and broad form of unity. Every Christian must rejuvenate the faith in order to achieve high levels of spiritual enlightenment (“Ut unum sint”). This should be accomplished at the individual and community level. If every individual recognizes the importance of conversion than unity can be established within a short span of time. Ecumenism has helped to create high levels of understanding and perception between the diverse Christian communities. It has helped to recognize the common elements of truth, grace, love, and affection. It has reached the conclusion that the truth is manifested and derived from the same source which is the Gospel. Ecumenism seeks to eradicate the notion that Christians from other communities will not receive salvation or are labeled as heretics. It seeks to prevent hatred, bigotry, and prejudice that have marked relations between the various communities. Historical misunderstandings should not become an obstacle for unity and integration (“Ut unum sint”). Pope John explicitly calls for removing misunderstandings and misconceptions in order to promote a tolerant and acceptable environment. Strategies to Achieve Unity Pope John Paul outlines a number of strategies for attaining unity between the various denominations. A uniform creed of faith must exist in order to create a robust spiritual union. This creed cannot be changed by distorting, altering, or eliminating certain parts. There is a need to recognize that the true is manifested from God, Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit. The creed of faith should be deciphered to every community based upon their levels of awareness and perception (“Ut unum sint”). The words of the Gospel need to be translated according to the language, norms, and values of specific communities. Ecumenism does not seek to merely promote a single aspect of the Church but it seeks to revive the entire Christian community. It seeks to create an environment that is open to every individual irrespective of ethnic, racial, or social affiliations. Every Christian needs to fulfill that duty through constant practice, exertion, and initiative. Pope John Paul argues that the common elements of faith and belief are far greater in number as opposed to the differences. Every community desires to gain closeness with God while creating a just and humane society. Prayer is a powerful invocation that will help the different communities to achieve unity. It is a conduit that enables the believers to gain solace and comfort from an almighty God. It helps to reduce negative sentiments because there is the belief in a powerful and transcendental being that will never abandon humanity (“Ut unum sint”). Prayers help the believers to obtain rapport and empathy with God as they shun all their differences and misunderstandings. Therefore it is powerful and versatile means to achieve unity. Ecumenism advocates dialogue and discourse between the various communities because it will help to create an environment that is respectful and tolerant towards each others views. It is a practical strategy that helps the believers to gain insight and awareness about the external environment. God has given human beings the mental faculties to understand his signs and learn the true purpose of existence. Dialogue helps to create high levels of self actualization and self awareness among the believers. It seeks to offer diverse insights about truth, tolerance, mercy, salvation, and grace. It creates coherent voice that can respond to the challenges of modern society (“Ut unum sint”). But above all dialogue helps to create a set of common guidelines that can be used for evangelization of non believers. The conditions for dialogue must be based upon sincere intentions because hostility cannot create a collaborative environment. Dialogue also helps to create maturity among the different communities. A common goal for salvation and deliverance can be derived from such initiatives. Pope John Paul argues that it is essential to acknowledge the personal sins in order to seek forgiveness and repentance. Mutual cooperation is important for achieving and practicing Christian unity. The basic objectives of ecumenism can be achieved only through constant dialogue and exertion. An atmosphere for collaboration must be created in a logical and practical manner. Each denomination must have practical goals through dialogue and consultation. Appropriate strategies should be developed in order to achieve the goals of unity and integration. Conclusion Ecumenism seeks to unite the diverse Christian communities in order to promote tolerance and brotherhood. Unity is essential for creating a collaborative and conductive environment. The historical schisms and divisions between Christianity have created numerous problems. These misunderstandings can be eradicated by following a systematic and logical approach. It should be based upon acknowledging the grievances and injustices that have been perpetrated by all sides. The Pope outlines the strategy for achieving unity and integration. The basic creed of faith should be consistent with the various denominations. After that prayer is a powerful ritual that brings the believers closer to God. It creates love and compassion that needs to be spread into the world. Dialogue is the crucial element of this strategy because it seeks to create a collaborative and conductive environment. It should be used to create a common ground that can be used to achieve self realization and self actualization. Appendix of Quotations 1. Consequently, the commitment to ecumenism must be based upon the conversion of hearts and upon prayer, which will also lead to the necessary purification of past memories 2. This unity, which the Lord has bestowed on his Church and in which he wishes to embrace all people, is not something added on, but stands at the very heart of Christs mission 3. Passing from principles, from the obligations of the Christian conscience, to the actual practice of the ecumenical journey towards unity, the Second Vatican Council emphasizes above all the need for interior conversion 4. The increase of fellowship in a reform which is continuous and carried out in the light of the Apostolic Tradition is certainly, in the present circumstances of Christians, one of the distinctive and most important aspects of ecumenism 5. Along the ecumenical path to unity, pride of place certainly belongs to common prayer, the prayerful union of those who gather together around Christ himself Source: "Ut unum sint." Vatican. Vatican, 1995. Web. 16 Apr 2010. . Works Cited "Ut unum sint." Vatican. Vatican, 1995. Web. 16 Apr 2010. . Read More