Ecumenism
- Arts
- 200 level
- 2 credit units
- 80 pages
- 7 units
This course explores the historical development, theological foundations, and practical applications of ecumenism. It examines the causes of divisions within the Christian church and the various attempts to foster unity. The course covers global, regional, and local ecumenical structures, emphasizing the role of dialogue, social action, and interfaith cooperation. Students will analyze contemporary issues and the significance of ecumenism in promoting national integration and world peace.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 52 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- Yes
- Assignments
- Tutor Marked Assignments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CRS272, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CRS272 · UNIT 2 THEOLOGICAL GROUNDS FOR ECUMENISM
It is noted here that Ecumenism-vision and ecumenics-teaching discipline have to do with the dignity of the Church, its nature and mission, and with honesty to the gospel.
What you should be able to do
- Explain the historical development of ecumenism from the early church to the 21st century
- Identify the theological foundations for church unity
- Analyze the structure of ecumenical movements at global, regional, and local levels
- Evaluate the goals and objectives of ecumenism in promoting cooperation and addressing global challenges
- Discuss the role of ecumenism in promoting social justice and reconciliation
- Apply ecumenical principles to contemporary issues facing the church and society
What it prepares you for
- Religious Leader
- Theologian
- Missionary
- Social Worker
- Peace and Conflict Resolution Specialist
- Religious Organizations
- Non-Profit Organizations
- International Development
- Social Services
- Education
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 1: Introduction
Unit 2: Initial Controversies, Divisions and Early Ecumenical Assemblies
Understanding the nuances of historical controversies and their lasting impact requires careful analysis and critical thinking.
- Module 2: Theological Grounds for Ecumenism
Unit 1: Ecumenical unity as a reflection of the unity of God
Grasping the Trinitarian doctrine and its implications for church unity requires careful theological reflection and understanding of complex concepts.
- Module 3: The Structure of Ecumenism
Unit 1: Global Ecumenism
Analyzing the various models of union and their implications for church structure and governance requires critical evaluation and understanding of different perspectives.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 48 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Introduction
Unit 1: Definition of Ecumenism and Its Genesis · 2 hours
Read Unit 3.1: Definition of Ecumenism and Its Genesis. Identify key figures and events.. Reflect on the controversies and divisions that led to ecumenical assemblies..
Unit 2: Initial Controversies, Divisions and Early Ecumenical Assemblies · 2 hours
Read Unit 3.2: Initial Controversies, Divisions and Early Ecumenical Assemblies. Analyze the issues of Trinity and Christology.. Discuss the impact of the Filioque controversy and the Great Schism..
- Week 2Module 1: Introduction
Unit 3: The Growth of Ecumenism · 2 hours
Read Unit 3.3: The Growth of Ecumenism. Examine the Reformation and its impact on church divisions.. Analyze the theological controversies involving Luther, Zwingli, and Calvin..
Unit 4: Formation of the World Council of Churches (WCC) · 2 hours
Read Unit 3.4: Formation of the World Council of Churches (WCC). Understand the roles of the Life and Work movement and Faith and Order movement.. Discuss the vision and structure of the WCC..
- Week 3Module 2: Theological Grounds for Ecumenism
Unit 1: Ecumenical unity as a reflection of the unity of God · 2 hours
Read Unit 3.1: Ecumenical unity as a reflection of the unity of God. Understand the Trinity and its implications for church unity.. Reflect on the relationship between diversity and unity within the Godhead..
Unit 2: Christ's teaching on church unity · 2 hours
Read Unit 3.2: Christ's teaching on church unity. Analyze Christ's priestly prayer in John 17.. Discuss the metaphor of the shepherd and the flock..
- Week 4Module 2: Theological Grounds for Ecumenism
Unit 3: Apostolic teaching on church unity · 3 hours
Read Unit 3.3: Apostolic teaching on church unity. Examine Paul's teachings on unity in 1 Corinthians and Ephesians.. Discuss the concept of the church as the body of Christ..
- Week 5Module 2: Theological Grounds for Ecumenism
Unit 4: The doctrine of the church in history · 2 hours
Read Unit 3.4: The doctrine of the church in history. Understand the patristic period and the Reformers' views on church unity.. Discuss the concept of communion of saints..
Unit 5: The significance of church unity · 2 hours
Read Unit 3.5: The significance of church unity. Reflect on the importance of unity for the church's mission.. Discuss the New Delhi statement on unity..
- Week 6Module 3: The Structure of Ecumenism
Unit 1: Global Ecumenism · 3 hours
Read Unit 3.1: Global Ecumenism. Understand the role of the WCC.. Discuss the various models of union: organic union, conciliar fellowship, reconciled diversity, communion of saints, unity as solidarity..
- Week 7Module 3: The Structure of Ecumenism
Unit 2: Regional Ecumenism in Africa · 2 hours
Read Unit 3.2: Regional Ecumenism in Africa. Examine the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC).. Discuss the challenges of competition and rivalry among churches in Africa..
Unit 3: The All Africa Conference of Churches · 2 hours
Read Unit 3.3: The All Africa Conference of Churches. Analyze the impact of ecumenical movements in contemporary Nigeria.. Discuss the roles of CAN, CCN and TEKAN..
- Week 8Module 3: The Structure of Ecumenism
Unit 4: Sub-Regional Ecumenism or local Ecumenism in Nigeria · 3 hours
Read Unit 3.4: Sub-Regional Ecumenism or local Ecumenism in Nigeria. Understand the roles of CAN, CCN and TEKAN.. Discuss the challenges and opportunities for ecumenism in Nigeria..
- Week 9Module 4: The Goals and Objectives of Ecumenism
Unit 1: The Goals and Objectives of Ecumenism · 2 hours
Read Unit 3.1: The Goals and Objectives of Ecumenism. Understand the role of dialogue and fellowship.. Reflect on the importance of addressing injustice, discrimination, and poverty..
Unit 2: Building an Ecumenical Culture through dialogue on Theology and Practice · 2 hours
Read Unit 3.2: Building an Ecumenical Culture through dialogue on Theology and Practice. Analyze the importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts.. Discuss the Lutheran-Reformed dialogue and the Lutheran World Federation's engagement with the Roman Catholic Church..
- Week 10Module 4: The Goals and Objectives of Ecumenism
Unit 3: Christian Social Action for Justice and Reconciliation · 2 hours
Read Unit 3.3: Christian Social Action for Justice and Reconciliation. Understand the role of the church in promoting justice and reconciliation.. Discuss the need for addressing social injustice and economic disparity..
Unit 4: Facilitation of Diakonia Ministry among Churches in Missions · 2 hours
Read Unit 3.4: Facilitation of Diakonia Ministry among Churches in Missions. Reflect on the importance of serving the disadvantaged.. Discuss the role of the church in building inclusive communities..
- Week 11Module 4: The Goals and Objectives of Ecumenism
Unit 5: Facilitation of interfaith Dialogue · 3 hours
Read Unit 3.5: Facilitation of interfaith Dialogue. Understand the importance of interfaith dialogue for sharing the gospel.. Discuss the WCC's guidelines on dialogue and the challenges of pluralism..
- Week 12Module 5: The Sociology of Ecumenism
Unit 1: Building a Responsible Society · 2 hours
Read Unit 3.1: Building a Responsible Society. Understand the biblical principles for developing a responsible society.. Reflect on the role of the church in promoting justice and freedom..
Unit 2: Church and Society · 2 hours
Read Unit 3.2: Church and Society. Analyze the relationship between the church and society.. Discuss the church's role in caring for the poor and vulnerable..
- Week 13Module 5: The Sociology of Ecumenism
Unit 3: Church unity and unity of Humanity · 2 hours
Read Unit 3.3: Church unity and unity of Humanity. Understand the importance of church unity for promoting unity of humanity.. Discuss the challenges of social, economic, and political discrimination..
Unit 4: Cultural Mandate: Politics and Christian Faith · 2 hours
Read Unit 3.4: Cultural Mandate: Politics and Christian Faith. Reflect on the role of Christian politicians in promoting good governance.. Discuss the importance of addressing poverty and disease in Africa..
Preparing for the exam
- Create a timeline of key events in the history of ecumenism, focusing on major councils and movements.
- Develop concept maps linking theological concepts like the Trinity, Christology, and ecclesiology to ecumenical principles.
- Practice applying ecumenical principles to case studies of contemporary social and political issues.
- Review the structure and functions of major ecumenical organizations like the WCC, AACC, CAN, and TEKAN.
- Focus on understanding the different models of church unity and their implications for ecumenical practice.
Questions students ask about this course
What is CRS272 about?
This course explores the historical development, theological foundations, and practical applications of ecumenism. It examines the causes of divisions within the Christian church and the various attempts to foster unity. The course covers global, regional, and local ecumenical structures, emphasizing the role of dialogue, social action, and interfaith cooperation. Students will analyze contemporary issues and the significance of ecumenism in promoting national integration and world peace.
How many units does CRS272 have?
CRS272, Ecumenism, has 7 units across 3 modules, over 80 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CRS272?
CRS272 carries 2 credit units, at 200 level in Arts.
Is CRS272 hard?
CRS272 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work, and it has a practical component.
How long does CRS272 take to study?
About 52 hours of study, spread across its 7 units.
How is CRS272 assessed?
CRS272 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.
What can I do with CRS272?
Religious Leader, Theologian, Missionary, Social Worker and Peace and Conflict Resolution Specialist.