Ecumenism

Baptism is a ritual practiced in all Christian churches that combines in itself various theological interpretive dimensions. The denominational traditions emphasize these dimensions differently. Diverging practices with regard to infant baptism in particular – but not only this – create difficulties for a mutual recognition of baptism. Ecumenical dialogues have so far made numerous suggestions for how to solve these difficulties.

• Ecclesiology
• Sacrament

Following an outline of the history of the term, this article presents a definition of Christian spirituality as the human response to God’s call. It describes the various forms of this response, whose foundation is the double commandment of love, and the many ways in which spirituality can be lived out in everyday life. Regularity, community, spiritual guidance, and discernment of spirits are identified as requirements for a sustainable spiritual practice in everyday life. Certain problems are then singled out, including the need to choose one’s own form of spirituality within the complex context of late modernity and the ambiguity of the concept of experience. Finally, spirituality is framed as a basis for ecumenical community.

As it pertains to religion, the term mission (Latin: missio = to send) usually describes the communication of one’s own beliefs and practices to people and groups with other religious traditions or world views. It occurs by means of various practices and media. Additionally, mission is often understood in terms of altruistic and caring service towards fellow human beings and the environment. While the term is often used both colloquially and in scholarship exclusively in relation to the Christian faith,[i] researchers on religion also apply it to other religious traditions. When viewed from the perspective of the history of religion, mission is, however, not a feature of all religious traditions.[ii]

[i] Bürkle, Horst, Art. Mission. I. Religionsgeschichtlich, in: LThK 7 ([Sonderdruck] ³2009), 288–289, 288.

[ii] Vgl. Sundermeier, Theo, Art. Mission. I. Religionsgeschichtlich, in: RGG⁴ 5 (2002), 1272–1273.

The term “Theologies of Religion” refers to the field within systematic theology that deals with the relationship of the Christian faith and the community of the faithful (Church) to other religions. It involves the examination of religious plurality in general as well as questions that emerge in relation to specific non-Christian religions (such as Islam).

• Prolegomena
• Religion
• Systematic Theology