Ecumenical apologetics is "an explanation (defense) of the Christian Faith, in an ecumenical fashion";[1] presenting a defense of one's own faith while advocating and recognizing "a greater sense of shared spirituality"[2] with those of other confessions or faith traditions.
While neither apologetics nor ecumenism is a new term, "ecumenical apologetics" came into use early in the 21st century in an effort to combine the two, which were previously presumed to be opposing efforts or ideas.[3] Likewise, both apologetics and ecumenism are terms used by people of different religious orientations; however, the term is used primarily, if not exclusively, to refer to a form of Christian apologetics.[citation needed]
Further reading
- Fr. Benedict M. Ashley, Choosing a World-View and Value-System: An Ecumenical Apologetics. Published by Alba House (May 2000).
- Konrad Raiser, Ecumenism in Transition: A Paradigm Shift in the Ecumenical Movement. Published by World Council of Churches (October 1991).
- George E. Griener, Ernst Troeltsch and Herman Schell: Christianity and the World Religions : An Ecumenical Contribution to the History of Apologetics. Published by Peter Lang Pub Inc. (June 1990).
