Pope Benedict recently noted that the 6th century writer “Pseudo-Dionysius” is a great model for dialogue because he a) understood that truth eradicates error and brings the good to shine forth” and b) “does not accept any superficiality.”
It’s great to hear our Pope’s affirmation that objective truth exists, that we can get to it, and that superficial agreement really accomplishes nothing. It seems that much ecumenical dialogue today is not constructed according to the model of Dionysius. Rather, truth is discarded and not offending anyone seems to be of the highest value. However, this leads to no real substantive breakthrough and typically results in a watered down faith that appeals to a tiny few. I think of the United Church of Canada and the Uniting Church of Australia, both of which are declining and irrelevant in spite of formally merging various Protestant denominations together.
I should add that I am solidly in favor of ecumenical efforts. With a mostly Protestant family I engage in them all time. However, I know that, like my family relationships, ecumenism requires hard work and honesty to be successful. Taking Pseudo-Dionysius as our model, the Church can only better our ecumenical efforts in the world by making them authentic and as a part of the wider search for truth. Also, it doesn’t hurt that the Pope has chosen a theologian respected by both Western and Eastern Christians!
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