Dangers of Ecumenical Drift in Christianity and Theology
The dangers of ecumenical drift in Christianity and theology refer to the risks associated with theological compromise and the blurring of doctrinal boundaries. According to John Chrysostom, a neglect of small errors can lead to greater calamities, as "slight evils overlooked open the door to graver ones" [1]. This warning is echoed in the commentary on Nehemiah, where Adam Clarke notes that inconsistent conduct among Christians can harm the Church and discredit their profession of faith [2].
One of the primary concerns is that theological compromise can lead to a watering down of essential Christian teachings. For instance, the commentary on Ephesians warns against fornication, uncleanness, and covetousness, emphasizing that such behaviors are unbecoming of Christians and can lead to divine wrath [3]. Similarly, the commentary on 2 Timothy cautions against youthful lusts and the dangers of being led astray by false teachers [4].
The risk of ecumenical drift is also linked to the danger of being overly familiar with those who hold differing or heretical views. Calvin warns that being on familiar terms with such individuals can lead to being deceived or misled, as they may use friendship as a disguise for their true intentions [5]. This concern is echoed in the commentary on Ephesians, where Adam Clarke notes that certain behaviors are incompatible with the kingdom of God [6].
The consequences of ecumenical drift can be severe. According to Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, false teachers can "creep into" households and capture the hearts of those who are laden with sins and led away by diverse lusts [7]. This highlights the need for vigilance and discernment in maintaining the integrity of Christian doctrine.
The early Church Fathers and Reformation-era theologians emphasized the importance of maintaining doctrinal purity. By heeding their warnings and being mindful of the dangers of ecumenical drift, Christians can work to preserve the integrity of their faith and avoid the pitfalls of theological compromise. As the commentary on 2 Timothy notes, fleeing from youthful lusts and avoiding occasions of sin is essential for maintaining a strong faith [4].
Sources
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: not. A want of zeal in small matters is the cause of all our calamities; and because slight errors escape fitting correction, greater ones creep in. As in the body, a neglect of wounds generates fever, mortification, and death; so in the soul, slight evils overlooked open the door to graver ones. It is accounted a trivial fault that one man should neglect fasting; that another, who is established in the pure faith, dissembling on account of circumstances, should surrender his bold profession of it, neither is this anything great ”
- Nehemiah (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Nehemiah 5:9: Ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God - If ye wish to accredit that religion ye profess which comes from the God of justice and mercy; should you not, in the sight of the heathen, abstain from injustice and cruelty? Can they credit your profession, when they see such practices? The inconsistent conduct of some professors of religion does much harm in the Church of God.”
- Ephesians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ephesians 5:3: But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness,.... The apostle proceeds to dehort from several vices, which are unbecoming the dear children and followers of God; and which the love of Christ should constrain them to avoid: the first of these, which is simple "fornication", is the sin which is committed between single or unmarried persons; and is contrary to the law of God, is a work of the flesh, and is against a man's own body; it renders persons unfit for church communion, brings many temporal calamities upon them, and exposes them to divine wrath, and ex”
- 2 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Timothy 2:22: Flee--There are many lusts from which our greatest safety is in flight (Gen 39:12). Avoid occasions of sin. From the abstemious character of Timothy (Ti1 5:23) it is likely that not animal indulgences, but the impetuosity, rash self-confidence, hastiness, strife, and vainglory of young men (Jo1 2:14-16), are what he is here warned against: though the Spirit probably intended the warning to include both in its application to the Church in general. also--Greek, "But"; in contrast to "every good work," Ti2 2:21. youthful--Timothy was a youth (Ti1 4”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on 1-2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, section 26.4: on familiar terms with those men, the danger is, lest they insinuate themselves under the guise of our friendship. 117 117 “ Il y a danger que nostre amitie ne leur serve d’une couverture pour avoir entree a abuser les gens .” — “There is danger lest our friendship serve as a disguise for obtaining access to deceive people.” We should therefore, labor to the utmost, that all may know, that so far are we from being agreed with them, that they have no communication with us. 118 118 “When we hear that they who thus misrepresent the”
- Ephesians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Ephesians 5:5: For this ye know - Ye must be convinced of the dangerous and ruinous tendency of such a spirit and conduct, when ye know that persons of this character can never inherit the kingdom of God. See on Eph 5:3 (note); and see the observations on the Greek article at the end of this epistle.”
- 2 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Timothy 3:6: of this sort--Greek, "of these," such as were described (Ti2 3:5). creep into--stealthily. laden with sins-- (Isa 1:4); applying to the "silly women" whose consciences are burdened with sins, and so are a ready prey to the false teachers who promise ease of conscience if they will follow them. A bad conscience leads easily to shipwreck of faith (Ti1 1:19). divers lusts--not only animal lusts, but passion for change in doctrine and manner of teaching; the running after fashionable men and fashionable tenets, drawing them in the most opposite dir”