The ecumenical dimension of christian heritage

Globalus požiūris į įvairiose krikščioniškose konfesijose esančias vertybes kuria autentišką ekumeninį dvasingumą. Toksai požiūris ir iš jo kylantis kitų krikščioniškų tradicijų pažinimas praturtina visų bendrą dalyvavimą viename išganymo slėpinyje. Kristaus Bažnyčios gyvenimas iš esmės turi būti „katalikiškas“, t. y. visaapimantis. Žmogus turi stengtis suvokti „tiesos pilnatvę“ (Jn 16, 13) ir būti panardintas į Dievo išganymo ekonomijos apmąstymą. Gyvas šios „tiesos pilnatvės“ troškimas turėtų gaivinti tiek konkrečios dalinės Bažnyčios gyvenimą, tiek ir kiekvieno tikinčiojo religinę praktiką. Kristaus tiesos pilnatvėje, pranokstančioje atskiras tradicijas ir dalinių Bažnyčių patirtis, slypi geresnės ir vieningesnės Bažnyčios ateities pažadasEcumenical communication enables the development of individuals and of whole communities. Due to interdenominational contacts we get to know the religious life and spiritual experience of different ecclesiastic communities. Thanks to other people one acquires a more critical attitude towards oneself and becomes more open to what is required of truth. Besides the Churches’ divine origin, it is, at the same time, an earthly and human institution, which is constantly being urged by the Lord to renew itself and heed the inspirations of the Holy Spirit. The way of ecumenical dialogue requires that Churches not only convert to Christ, but also show good faith and open up to one another, and recognize the authentic Christian values of others. That is why Ecumenism is not only a dialogue between different Christian denominations but also a challenge and an encouragement to deepen our Christian faith and make life brighter. The Ecumenical dialogue does not force one to renounce one’s identity; however it urges one to understand and respect other people. Though denominational differences create obstacles for solidarity of all Christians, on the other hand, they constantly remind us about the majesty of divine mysteries and the opportunity to experience their diversity. While speaking about the valuable exchange between Christian Churches, one has in mind, first of all, the spiritual wealth of Catholicism and Orthodoxy. The Protestant tradition may be considered less rich historically and more oriented toward a present-day relationship between man and God. Due to the strongly accentuated religiousness of present-day in Protestantism, some especially meaningful peculiarities and phenomena of Christian life come to light.Ecumenism is far from being an easier way; it is rather a challenge for expanding one’s outlook, raising questions about the essence of Christian faith and making radical changes in one’s everyday Christian life.[...]Vytauto Didžiojo universiteta