Historical Survey of the Concept of Ecumenical Movement its Model and Contemporary Problems

Abstract

Abstract The term "ecu menical" in theology today generally refers to the movement wh ich seeks to achieve external unity among the world's denominationally divined churches. The orig inal meaning of the word (fro m oikeo: to dwell, inhabit; and oikos: house, household; oikoumene: the whole inhabited earth [Lk. 4: 5]) has lapsed into disuse, as did the later development of the sense of a co mmon basic attitude or into disuse, as did the later develop ment of the sense of a co mmon basic attitude or doctrinal consensus by the "inhabitants" of the surface of the earth or the members of the church. A more modern, co mprehensive meaning has since been developed: "ecumenical" means the entirety of the church, which, looking back to its common orig inal tradit ional and looking forward to its hope, seeks a commonality in doctrine and in the life of faith. Movement toward unity or cooperation among the Christian churches