A biblical-theological analysis of John 17:20-23 in the context of modern ecumenism and implications for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kenya

Abstract

The ecumenical movement is the movement for the amalgamation of all religions, Christian denominations and cults as the remedy to the divisions prevailing within Christian churches and other religious set-ups. The ecumenical councils, whereby the World Council of Churches is the principal promoter, are the machinery for achieving the aims of ecumenism. The membership comprises of the Protestants, the Anglicans, the Orthodox and the Roman Catholics, all aiming at uniting all religious groups, Christian denominations and cultic traditions into one entity globally in terms of doctrinal agreement through their document, Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry (BEM). Proponents of this movement depend on their understanding of the subordinate clause, in Greek, ἵνα πάντες ἓν ὦσιν, translated, “that they all may be one” in John 17:20-23. Thus, the term, “all” presumes the collective uniting of religious bodies and Christian denominations physically, mindless of their spiritual faith-connections with the Godhead, although their spiritual faith-connections with the Trinity should be the key factor in this unification. Its literal implication is suggested by the bringing of religious bodies as a global group to answer the prayer of Jesus, and the allegory here is presumed by the interpretation of the oneness in the passage as having the nuance of ecumenism. An allegorical or a literal interpretation to John 17:20-23 distorts the very intention of the perfect spiritual oneness among true believers Jesus implied in His prayer: “may they be brought to complete (perfect) unity” (17:23a). The challenge that arises from such an interpretation involves reconciling the differences in doctrinal truths that prevail in some of these churches pushing for ecumenical identity of Christianity. This research sought an interpretation of this Johannine pericope linguistically and theologically. The study found that the ecumenists misread the syntax of the subordinate clause as, “that they may be all one,” instead of, “that they all may be one.” They wrest its literal meaning for an allegorical interpretation against its own context to fit a literal global church. This study concludes that John 17:20-23 focuses on the essence of divine unity among believers in Christ and this profound Christian unity emanates from the union of the Godhead. It focuses on a faith-based, spiritual unity of believers shaped by the Holy Spirit founded on the union existing between the Father and the Son. It is a spiritual unity of purpose with missiological and fellowship of love elements, founded on divine principles. The true biblical unity of the followers of Christ essentially favors their global mission. Thus, it was recommended based on the concept of unity in the passage, that the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kenya should seek this kind of unity in its internal and missiological relationships. This should strengthen fundamental hallmarks of the local and global church towards profound foundations for enduring universal unity.