"An Ecumenist Who Does Not Like Ecumenism..."

Why? That's a silly phrase, Arturo. Why don't you like ecumenism?

This could be taken as an addendum to Saturday's post, since in reality Fr. Anastassy didn't like ecumenism either. As many have pointed out elsewhere, what passes for ecumenism nowadays is merely a ploy to inflate the egos of ambitious prelates at its best, and pimping out ancient venerable doctrinal formulas at its worse. It puts way too much confidence in the limited abilities of human beings to solve the problems of this sinful, fallen world.

I learn from and worship with Christians of all stripes, and I have no regrets about this. But I refuse to try to define or justify this with some highly developed theological apologia simply because:

#1. I am not that smart.

#2. I don't think anyone really is,

and

#3. Why do I have to? Just leave it up to God.

We shouldn't worry too much about unity in the Church. As one hyper-Orthodox traditionalist once put it, the main problem in the Christian Church is not our separation from other Christians, but rather our separation from Christ. If I was united to Christ as I (little ol' me, not worrying about anyone else) should be, then I would be able to see better the plans of God. Besides, worrying about Eucharistic communion is a strange preoccupation indeed. I am lucky just to be able to receive Holy Communion at my own church every Sunday, without having to worry about what churches I can't receive Communion at.

I don't like ecumenism. Period.

(Ranting mode, off)