Christian Denominations and Sects Commons^™

Schism And Dialogue In Antioch: Melkite-Orthodox Relations, 1724 – Present, Berge Traboulsi

The Journal of Social Encounters

More than three centuries after the emergence of Uniatism and the 1724 Antiochian schism, deep divisions persist between the Melkite Greek Catholic and Greek Orthodox Churches. Despite ecumenical milestones and the official condemnation of Uniatism, full ecclesiastical union remains elusive. Efforts to heal the 1054 schism between Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy likewise continue to encounter significant obstacles. This study examines traditional Melkite–Orthodox relations, academic initiatives, and dialogue efforts within the Antiochian context. It advocates bold, reform-oriented approaches to coexistence and collaboration—grounded in human rights and fraternity—moving beyond polemics toward mutual understanding, reconciliation, and trust.

Review Of Grassroots Ecumenism: The Way Of Local Christian Reunion, John A. Radano

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

Icons, Theology, And Culture, Patrick Russell

Obsculta

This article presents an overview of Eastern Orthodox understandings of the theology of icons and how icons are used in liturgical spaces to communicate important theological truths. Specifically, as it relates to eschatology and liturgical practices around icons and the cultural importance of saints who come from different continents and times and how that helps us see a bigger picture of a truly cosmic future reality embodied in the Church in the present.

Review Of The Kingdom, The Power, And The Glory: American Evangelicals In An Age Of Extremism, Jeff Vanderwerff,

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

Comparing And Contrasting Luther’S And Aquinas’ Viewpoints Regarding The Essence Of Justification: A Step Towards Promoting Ecumenical Harmony, Paulinus Daeli Osc

Obsculta

This article is intended for Christians who recognize the importance of diversity in ecumenical unity. By comparing the views of Thomas Aquinas and Martin Luther on the idea of justification, the author seeks to convey that faith in Christ helps one to grow and develop spiritually. The similarities and differences of the two figures offered in this sense invite Christians to see that their differences need not be contradictory and that they can be juxtaposed.

A Spirit Of Dialogue In Unitatis Redintegratio, Emily Heidick

Obsculta

This piece is reflection on Unitatis Redintegratio and the style of Vatican II, which aims to lift up the spirit of dialogue and ecumenism.

Solidarity And Ecumenism, John A. Radano

The Journal of Social Encounters

This article illustrates ways in which the modern ecumenical movement promotes solidarity among formerly divided Christian churches through ecumenical dialogue. It begins by recalling divisions which took place in the fifth, the eleventh, and the sixteenth centuries, breaking down unity and solidarity among Christians, and continuing since those times. It then shows the way in which the modern Ecumenical Movement, working to restore Christian unity, began early in the twentieth century through movements promoting cooperation in mission, in efforts of the churches to better society, and in resolving doctrinal divisions which have kept churches separated. It later became established in …

Traveling Together To Ward Off Fear: Lenten Reflections During The Coronavirus Pandemic, Laura Suhr Osb

Obsculta

Reflections on life in a Benedictine Monastery provide insights into how the Benedictine way of life can help Christians during the trials and tribulations of the coronavirus pandemic. Humility, community living, and our inner attitudes can also deepen our experience of Lent.

On Silence In The Rule Of St. Benedict: A Study Of Chapter 6: 1-6, Karen F. Arce

Obsculta

This paper is a study of Chapter 6: On Silence in The Rule of St. Benedict. It studies verses 1-6. It briefly includes verses 7 and 8, which reinforce Benedict's value of humility and the exhortation to refrain from useless conversation. This study shows the value of silence as a way to stop all interior and exterior chatter in order to have the chance to listen to God, one’s neighbors and oneself. This study also gives a deeper understanding of the Latin word taciturn Tate which emphasizes a state of being which opens the person for a deeper listening.

Cistercian Order In Vietnam - Advantages And Challenges, John Toan V. Phan

Obsculta

Cistercian Order in Vietnam was found by a missionary-priest in 1918. Originally, it was a diocesan congregation with its name “Notre Dame of Annam.” In 1936 the congregation of “Notre Dame of Annam” joined Cistercian Order and became Cistercian Congregation of Holy Family. In this article, father John Phan talks about the history of Cistercian Order in Vietnam with its advantages and disadvantages but he puts it in the broader context of the monastic tradition and Vietnamese culture to indicate the continuity of monastic tradition and some distinguish factors of the Cistercian Order in Vietnam

From Putrefecation To Sanctification: John Wesley's Understanding Of Original Sin And Theology Of Grace, John Scheuer

Obsculta

John Wesley’s sermons and writings about Original Sin are filled with lengthy and extreme descriptions of the depravity of humanity. This essay will explore examples from Wesley’s writings that use Scripture to describe humanity’s condition, and whose interpretation is supported by the tradition of the church. This exploration will layout Wesley’s unique theology of grace which provides a remedy for Original Sin by arguing humanity’s only path to redemption is through accepting the resistible grace of God.

A Startling Injustice In The Protestant Reformation: The Contrasting Theologies Of Martin Luther And Thomas Muntzer As Seen In Their Responses To The Reformation Of The Common Man, 1525, Tonya Toutge

Obsculta

Compares the theologies of reform held by Thomas Müntzer and Martin Luther specifically as their theologies played out in re-sponse to the Peasants’ War of 1525. Müntzer and Luther. This comparison places Müntzer over and against Luther.

Not Quite Calvinist: Cyril Lucaris A Reconsideration Of His Life And Beliefs, Stephanie Falkowski

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

Cyril Lucaris is primarily remembered as an Eastern Orthodox patriarch who held Calvinist beliefs. A more nuanced view is gained from often ignored facets of his life and times, the extant letters he wrote, and in recognition of various possible interpretations of the existing evidence. This paper, challenging common misconceptions about Lucaris, explores three main areas relevant to this discussion: his biographical influences, his beliefs and their development, and his own intentions and self-understanding of his relationships with Protestants. The result shows a man engaged in a world influenced by Western theological developments from the Reformation, fostering friendships as he …

Do This, In Memory Of Me!, Joseph Qiu-Lin Zhang

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

In order to better understand the meaning of the Eucharist, in this paper I describe three theologians’ views about the Eucharist. Their views represent three denominations of the Church. They are: Martin Luther (Lutheran), Alexander Schmemann (Orthodox), and Thomas Merton (Roman Catholic). I compare their views from three aspects: The meaning of the presence of Jesus Christ in bread and wine in the Eucharist, the qualification of receiving communion, and the entire meaning of the Eucharist.

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The Priesthood Of The Laity, James J. Weidner

Obsculta

No abstract provided.

Different Approaches, Different Interpretations, Same Nonsense: Aquinas, Luther, And Ways Justification Does Not Work, Stephanie Falkowski

Obsculta

No abstract provided.

Formed For Diverse Communion: Toward Developing An Ecumenical Formation Process For New Members Of Holy Wisdom Monastery’S Sunday Assembly, Rosy Kandathil Osb

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

No abstract provided.

Contours Of The Catholic Mind, Julia Smucker

Obsculta

No abstract provided.

Saint John Chrysostom And Social Justice, Joel Cassady

Obsculta

No abstract provided.

Hospitality In The Benedictine Monastic Tradition, Aaron Raverty Osb

Saint John’s Abbey Publications

A reflection on the importance of Benedictine hospitality in Scripture, the Rule of Benedict, interreligious dialogue, and in our uprooted and immigrant world of today.

Coming To Speaking Terms: Communal And Ethical Dimensions Of Baptism In Mennonite And Catholic Perspectives, Julia Smucker

Obsculta

Julia is a Mennonite-Catholic working toward a Master of Arts degree with a concentration in systematics. Julia was raised as a Mennonite and spent her life traveling including spending three years in Jamaica while her parents worked with the Mennonite Central Committee and a year in Haiti where Julia herself spent time working for the same service organization. Julia has spent much of her time working as part of an ecumenical movement to promote dialogue between Mennonites and Catholics known as Bridge Folk.

Behind The Beginnings: Benedictine Women In America, M. Incarnata Girgen Osb

Saint Benedict’s Monastery Books

This study is an attempt to present two sisters who played parts in establishing the Benedictines in America: Mother Benedicta Riepp, the foundress of Eichstätt Benedictine Sisters in America, and Mother Willibalda Scherbauer, who brought them to Minnesota. To accomplish this purpose, the greater part of the study consists of letters to, by, or about Mother Benedicta and Mother Willibalda.