Ecumenism: A Guide for the Perplexed is a comprehensive introduction to the methods, achievements, and future prospects of the modern ecumenical movement. The authors begin the volume by charting out a serviceable definition of ecumenism, a term that has long been a source of confusion for students of theology and church history. They review the chronology of the modern ecumenical movement and highlight the major events, figures, accomplishments, and impasses. This historical survey is followed by critical examinations of three significant challenges for contemporary ecumenical theology and practice. Along the way, the authors provide commentary upon the difficulties and prospects that the ecumenical movement might anticipate as it enters this new millennium.

Karl Rahner has been very precise in defining Christianity as the religion of the absolute future, but he has left unanswered the question as to what form this Christianity of the future will take. Will there be some kind of Super-Church embracing all Christians, will there be a loose confederation of autonomous Churches, will present-day confessional groups gradually be replaced by de-institutionalized communities of believers, will the separatiion between Christian East and Christian West continue? These are some of the questions that constitute what the author calls the "ecumenical problem". But his very use of the term "problem" indicates that for this historian-theologian there is a solution to the divisions and mutual hostilities that have plagued Christianity.

Manthanathu John Joseph, b. 1941, former director of Ecumenical Christian Centre, Bangalore; contributed articles.

Richard P. McBrien -- Ancient Scripture in the modern world / Krister Stendahl.

A journal of lay Catholic opinion.

Many Catholics face a dilemma: how can one be faithful to traditions, yet remain open to new discoveries, both about yourself and Catholicism? In The Good Enough Catholic, Paul Wilkes plumbs the hunger in Catholic souls for a relationship with God and a spiritual life, and boldly confronts the controversial issue of Church authority. After each chapter, there is an invitation to put into practice what has been explored through a rich mixture of doctrine, history, current thinking, and the personal experiences of "good enough" Catholics across America. With this book, Wilkes beckons us to look to the essence of our religion for the guidance and strength to live lives filled with spiritual transcendence.

Dialogue between two Jewish thinkers and writers on the reconstructionist ideas of each.