The Dangers of Ecumenicalism
By George Stroh, Senior Pastor
July 8, 2009
I am convinced that one of the greatest dangers to the evangelical Church and Biblically sound doctrine is a movement called "ecumenicalism". The idea behind ecumenicalism is that all professing religions should come together in practical unity, setting aside any doctrine that divides. The ultimate goal is to bring all religious groups together into one worldwide group, if not in organizational unity, at least in sympathy of the ecumenical movement for the purpose of the common good on earth.
To many naive Christians, this growing ecumenicalism seems like a good thing, but God is not pleased. This movement is likely the forerunner of the antichrist's one world false religious system that will be pervasive during the coming 7 years of tribulation on earth. The Bible describes this worldwide ecumenical religious system as "Babylon the great, the mother of harlots and the abomination of the earth". The tribulation saints are warned; "Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive of her plagues; for her sins have piled up as high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities." (Revelation 18:4).
Recently, Pastor Rick Warren, one of the most prominent religious leaders in the country and the author of the best selling book "The Purpose Driven Life", addressed the annual convention of the Islamic Society of North America. He is quoted as saying "The two largest faiths on the planet (Christians and Muslims) must work together to combat stereotypes and solve global problems."
Contrary to Pastor Warren's encouragement for Christians and Muslims to "work together", the Bible warns Christians today; "Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with and unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; Just as God said, 'I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.' 'Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE, says the Lord." (2 Corinthians 6:14-17).
Ecumenicalism, by definition, undermines the exclusive authority of God's Word and the importance of sound doctrine. Christians should use any opportunities to address unbelievers and their false religious groups, not for the purpose of moving forward Satan's ecumenical movement and agenda, but rather to proclaim again the unique and powerful Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Maranatha!
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