Dangers of Ecumenicalism and Relativism: The Blessing of Biblical Distinctions

In a world that prizes unity above all else, we must approach the call for Christian unity with both charity and caution. The ecumenical movement, which seeks to foster fellowship among diverse Christian denominations, can appear appealing on the surface. However, when unity comes at the expense of biblical truth, it risks aligning with the relativism that pervades our culture. As a campus minister for 8 years, being in campus ministry for almost 15 now, I write to warn against sacrificing truth for the sake of unity, to affirm the bare essentials required for true Christian fellowship, and to celebrate the faithful unity I have enjoyed within Evangel Presbytery.

Offering Truth upon the altar of Ecumenicalism

Ecumenicalism’s push to unite Christians by minimizing doctrinal differences is a seductive lie, sacrificing the gospel’s truth for a hollow togetherness. This profound betrayal strips faith of its power to save, undermining the call to “contend for the faith” (Jude 3). By glossing over essentials like Christ’s exclusivity (John 14:6), Scripture’s authority, or justification by faith alone, ecumenicalism mirrors relativism, the corrosive philosophy that deems all beliefs valid, eroding God’s Word. This syncretistic spirituality, peddling a false gospel, invites divine judgment (Galatians 1:6-8).

For decades, relativism has poisoned campuses and churches. On campuses, students steeped in postmodernism since the mid-20th century parrot “to me this means” in Bible studies, prizing tolerance over truth and scorning Scripture’s authority. Churches, infected since the 1960s’ rise of liberal theology, embrace vague spirituality, ditching creeds and denominational titles for “interdenominational” facades. They shy from preaching Christ’s exclusivity or repentance, bowing to culture rather than wielding God’s Word (Isaiah 5:20).

This compromise manifests subtly: pulpits dodging sin to avoid offense, worship blending secular or pagan elements for appeal. All of it turning churches into social clubs, not bastions of truth (Romans 3:23). By broadening the “narrow gate” (Matthew 7:14), ecumenicalism offers false hope, endangering souls and shipwrecking faith (Hebrews 10:23). In a culture where social media and Christian circles redefine love as spineless acceptance, we must reject this deception. Paul warns of a time when people “will not endure sound teaching” but chase “teachers to suit their own passions” (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Ecumenicalism’s fragile unity, built on compromised convictions, crumbles under cultural pressure (Matthew 7:26-27). We must stand unyielding, proclaiming the gospel’s transforming power (Romans 1:16), lest we betray Christ Himself.

The Need for Distinctions

Distinctions are everywhere, and we are called to declare them. Men and women, young and old, smart and dumb, rich and poor, there are numerous distinctions between people that must be observed and used in ministry. Doctrine divides, and Jesus intended that as the Bible is not ambiguous about the necessity of sound doctrine. Paul exhorts Timothy to “watch your life and doctrine closely” (1 Timothy 4:16), and Jude urges believers to “contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people” (Jude 3). These commands remind us that truth is not malleable; it is fixed in the person and work of Jesus Christ, revealed in the infallible Word of God. Distinctions matter because they guard the purity of the gospel. For instance:

The Nature of God: The triune God of Scripture is not the same as the vague “higher power” embraced by some ecumenical gatherings. We must uphold the biblical revelation of God’s character and work.

The Authority of Scripture: We affirm that the Bible alone is the inspired, inerrant Word of God, sufficient for all matters of faith and practice. Ecumenical efforts that include groups denying this truth risk compromising the foundation of our faith.

Justification by Faith Alone: The doctrine of sola fide is central to the gospel. Any movement that obscures or redefines this truth dilutes the message of grace.

These distinctions are not mere theological nitpicking; they are the guardrails that keep us on the narrow path of truth. To blur them in the name of unity is to flirt with spiritual compromise, even risking throwing our souls into the pit. This rejection of ecumenicalism’s error does not bar cooperation but calls us to principled co-belligerence, standing firm on truth while working for God’s glory.

What I am not saying

This is not to say that Christians should be divisive or uncooperative, but we must distinguish between co-belligerence and ecumenicalism. Jesus prayed for His disciples to be one, but this unity was rooted in their shared commitment to the Father’s Word (John 17:17-21). The example of Jesus’ disciples offers a powerful lesson in true unity amidst diversity. The Twelve came from varied Jewish backgrounds, shaped by the religious and cultural currents of first-century Judea. Some, like Simon the Zealot, may have been influenced by the Zealots’ fervent nationalism, advocating resistance against Roman rule. Others, like John, may have had connections to the Essenes, a sect known for its asceticism, communal living, and strict adherence to ritual purity, as some scholars suggest based on parallels in John’s writings. Meanwhile, disciples like Matthew the tax collector worked within the Roman system, a position that would have made him an outcast among stricter Jewish groups. These men represented a spectrum of beliefs and practices within Judaism, from the Pharisees’ legalism to the Essenes’ mysticism to the Zealots’ militancy.

Co-belligerence involves standing alongside others (Christians or even those outside the faith) to advance shared moral causes, such as defending the sanctity of life against abortion or upholding biblical values in the public square. This cooperation does not require doctrinal agreement but is rooted in a common commitment to God’s created order and moral law. Ecumenicalism, by contrast, seeks a broader, often vague unity among Christians that can blur essential doctrinal distinctions. While co-belligerence collaborates on external issues without compromising the gospel, ecumenicalism risks diluting the faith itself by prioritizing fellowship over truth. For instance, an ecumenical gathering might avoid proclaiming Christ’s exclusivity (John 14:6) to accommodate diverse theologies, whereas co-belligerence allows us to work with others on abortion without merging our core beliefs. Scripture supports this distinction: Paul worked with non-believers in Philippi to advance his mission (Philippians 1:15-18), yet he fiercely guarded the gospel against false teachings (Galatians 1:8). In our campus ministry, we model this by partnering with other groups to defend life or religious freedom while clearly proclaiming the non-negotiables of the gospel. Co-belligerence lets us engage the world without sacrificing truth, ensuring our witness remains distinct and faithful. Let us embrace such cooperation where it aligns with God’s truth but reject ecumenicalism’s temptation to trade the gospel for a superficial togetherness.

Despite their diverse backgrounds, the disciples found true unity under the lordship of Christ and the truth of His teaching. Jesus did not minimize their differences or promote a relativistic acceptance of all their prior beliefs. Instead, He called them to a higher standard: the truth of God’s kingdom, revealed through His life, death, and resurrection. Their unity was not based on a lowest-common-denominator faith but on submission to Christ as the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). This unity required them to set aside secondary allegiances and embrace the gospel, even when it challenged their preconceived notions.

The Bare Essentials of True Unity

True Christian unity is fellowship rooted in non-negotiable truths that define our faith (Ephesians 4:13): the authority and inerrancy of Scripture, the triune nature of God, the deity and humanity of Christ, His atoning death and resurrection, and salvation by grace through faith alone. These non-negotiable truths form the bedrock of our unity. As Paul writes, we strive for “unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God” (Ephesians 4:13). Any unity that compromises these essentials is a counterfeit. In our campus ministry this semester, we are specifically teaching on the non-negotiables of the Gospel, because the relativism of the current world is so pervasive we see it in every poll in christianity, even amongst the well trained! Among these non-negotiables (but not limited to these) are:

The Exclusivity of Christ: Salvation is found in Christ alone, the only way to the Father (John 14:6).

The Authority and Inerrancy of Scripture: The Bible alone is the inspired, infallible Word of God, sufficient for all matters of faith and practice.

The Triune Nature of God: God exists as one being in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—distinct yet equal in essence.

The Deity and Humanity of Christ: Jesus is fully God and fully man, the only mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).

Original Sin: All humanity is born in sin, inherited from Adam, rendering us guilty and corrupt before a holy God (Romans 5:12).

Justification by Faith Alone: Sinners are declared righteous before God solely by grace through faith in Christ’s atoning work, not by works (Romans 3:28;).

The Atoning Death and Resurrection of Christ: Jesus’ death on the cross propitiates God’s wrath and secures salvation, and His resurrection confirms His victory over sin and death.

These truths form the bedrock of our faith and the basis for true unity. Any fellowship that compromises these essentials risks presenting a false gospel (Galatians 1:6-7).

Yet, not every difference warrants division. In Evangel Presbytery, we model this balance by embracing both Baptists and paedobaptists, uniting in worship and sharing the Lord’s Table. We recognize that the timing and mode of baptism, while significant, are not the focus of the New Testament nor a cause for division. By standing together on the essentials, we demonstrate that true unity is possible without sacrificing truth. This is not relativism but biblical discernment, extending grace in secondary matters while upholding the gospel.

Faithful Unity

The disciples’ example encourages us to pursue unity grounded in truth. We must demonstrate that Christians can worship together, share the Lord’s Table, and labor for the kingdom while holding to their convictions on secondary matters. Our unity is not rooted in sameness but in our shared commitment to the essentials of the faith, as articulated in Scripture. We can cooperate with other believers in areas of common concern like defending the sanctity of life or proclaiming the gospel all the while maintaining our doctrinal distinctives.

Let us be encouraged by the promise of Jesus in John 17:20-21, where He prays for His followers to be one, “so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” This unity is not a superficial agreement but a deep, gospel-centered fellowship that reflects the glory of God. As Evangel Presbytery, we are called to live out this unity in practical ways, showing the world that truth and love are not at odds but are beautifully united in Christ. We can cooperate with other believers in areas of common concern: defending the sanctity of life, proclaiming the gospel, serving the poor, and standing for biblical values. To live out this faithful unity, I encourage each of us to take practical steps:

• Immerse Yourself in Scripture: Let the Word of God be your guide, testing all teachings against its truth (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Regular Bible study, both individually and in covenant community, strengthens our discernment and anchors us in the essentials of the faith.
• Proclaim the Gospel Boldly: Share the non-negotiables of the gospel: original sin, justification by faith alone, the exclusivity of Christ. Use clarity and compassion, trusting that God’s truth transforms lives (Romans 1:16).
• Engage in Loving Dialogue: When engaging with believers who hold differing views on secondary matters, like baptism, approach them with humility and grace, seeking to understand while standing firm on the essentials (Colossians 4:6).
• Worship with Joyful Unity: As we gather as Baptists and paedobaptists, let our worship reflect the beauty of our shared faith in Christ, celebrating the Lord’s Table as a testimony to our oneness in Him (1 Corinthians 10:17).
• Pray for Discernment and Courage: Ask God to grant us wisdom to discern truth from error and courage to stand for the gospel in a relativistic world (James 1:5; Ephesians 6:19-20).

Brothers, I urge you to stand firm in the truth. Test all things against the Word of God (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Hold fast to the essentials of our faith, including the non-negotiables of the gospel like original sin and justification by faith alone. Let us reject the relativistic pull of unchecked ecumenicalism and follow the disciples’ example, uniting under Christ’s truth despite our differences. May we shine as a light in this generation, proclaiming the gospel with boldness, working with those as co-belligerents for Gods glory, loving one another with sincerity, and worshipping as one body while cherishing the truth that unites us but never caving to ecumenicalism. Let us press on, confident that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).