by Archimandrite Paul Yazigi
Dean of St. John of Damascus Faculty of Theology - Balamand
SUMMARY IN ENGLISH
There are three ways for the knowledge of God: the conscious for those nations outside of the Abrahamic tradition, the Law for the people of the Old Testament, and the Gospel for the Christians of the New Testament. The superiority of Christianity as being the perfect divine revelation in the incarnated Jesus Christ means firstly, the acceptance of others, and secondly, the persistent need for evangelization. There are many approaches in Christianity that differs in ways of expression and notions. The one mind of Christ is no more a common denominator. Here lies the importance of dialogue and openness, and the great need for finding an ecumenical education founded on the following principles:
The ecumenical education needs to be catholic, in the theological, and not in the denominational sense. This means that the education has to carry "all the truth" or Kaqolikovthò, without omissions as in the case of heresies or aåresiò. Catholicism means orthodoxy of education. It is inevitable to differentiate between faith and formulae of expression, and between Tradition and traditions. The former abides but the latter changes. The acceptance and understanding of other persons ought to be according to how one defines him/herself, and not as we define him or her. The cessation of Proselytism is the basic rule for respect suitable for ecumenical education. This education ought to explain the common points in faith, not ignoring the differences, but rather explaining theirs causes. These causes are not always doctrinal, but rather historical or else. This education ought to present solutions for overcoming the differences that remain, informing the reader of the latest developments in Church Dialogue. The focus on the practical side of education and the projection of the faith on daily life is important so that differences may not be studied as philosophical arguments. Also, we have to look at the differences in the Churches' opinion about the most important issues in life such as family, war, Testaments, marriage, etc. Ecumenical education ought to look ahead more than looking behind, sustaining the spirit of evangelism and responsibility. It has to think about how to christianize the world facing the atheistic indifference and the giant globalization, putting under control human progress in the fields of creation and innovation, insisting on achieving the last desire of Christ to baptize the world, and to be one, as the Father and Him are one.
