📖 Biblical Definition
Scripture commands genuine unity among believers: "I appeal to you, brothers, that there be no divisions among you" (1 Corinthians 1:10). Jesus prayed "that they may all be one" (John 17:21). But biblical unity is unity in truth, not unity at the expense of truth. Paul commanded separation from false teachers (Romans 16:17), and John warned against welcoming those who do not bring the doctrine of Christ (2 John 1:10). True Christian unity is grounded in shared confession of the apostolic faith — not in organizational merger that papers over fundamental doctrinal disagreements.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Not present as a theological term in Webster 1828.
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Webster 1828 defines ECUMENICAL as "general; universal; as an ecumenical council." The broader movement of ecumenism as organized inter-church cooperation did not exist in Webster's time. The term's theological and institutional meaning developed in the 20th century.
📖 Key Scripture
• John 17:21 — "That they may all be one, even as you, Father, are in me."
• Ephesians 4:3-6 — "One Lord, one faith, one baptism."
• Romans 16:17 — "Watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them."
• 2 John 1:10-11 — "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Ecumenism prioritizes organizational unity over doctrinal faithfulness.
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The modern ecumenical movement has largely defined unity as organizational cooperation while minimizing doctrinal convictions. The result is interfaith gatherings where Gospel-believing Protestants share platforms with those who deny the sufficiency of Scripture, the exclusivity of Christ, or the reality of hell. Jesus' prayer for unity in John 17 is unity "in truth" (John 17:17) — He explicitly grounds unity in the sanctifying word of God. When ecumenism requires believers to set aside essential doctrines for the sake of visible togetherness, it achieves a false unity that dishonors the truth Jesus prayed would sanctify His church. Biblical unity is deep and real; ecumenical unity is often shallow and institutional.
Usage
• "Jesus prayed for unity in truth — not unity that requires abandoning truth."
• "Ecumenism that ignores doctrinal error for the sake of institutional togetherness achieves a unity that dishonors the Christ who is the truth."
• "Paul commanded unity with the faithful and separation from the false — ecumenism often reverses this order."