The Deepest Desire of Divine Master Teacher. Ecumenism According to J. Ratzinger/Benedict XVI

Jerzy Szymik

Abstract

Christian unity is desired by Christ Himself and, consequently, it is also a continuous imperative of Christian conscience and particular care on part of each pope. The starting point of J. Ratzinger/Benedict XVI’s thought and teaching is clear distinction between seeking unity through human strategy and the way to unity ultimately accepted as the gift of God Himself. Consequently, it paves the way for thinking about Christian schism in the context of ”Divine retribution”, i.e. the situation where God still acts and attracts to Himself. Such perspective protects against vanity and ambition to organise the world as if according to “God’s way”, but – in practice – without God. J. Ratzinger/Benedict XVI copes with ecumenically tempting notions-proposals (such as, for example, pluralism) that lead to an apprehensive acquaintance with identity. His lodestars are: Christ – the Truth – longing – patience – suffering – good – conversion.

Keywords:

ecumenism, unity, communio, dialogue, christocentrism, truth, logoi spermatikoi, praeparatio evangelica, modernity