Interorthodox Relations and Ecumenism, Distance Education

Eastern Christianity usually understands the Church as a mystery, where no designation or name could properly express the whole reality of the Church, known only to God. Human language is believed to be insufficient to express this mystery. Yet, this mystery is the departure point for how various Christian Orthodox communities relate to each other, and how they together seek to express their common participation in this mystery. It also seems to be compatible with political developments in the international sphere. This course will explore how the Church as a theological entity influences and is influenced by international relations and ecumenism, both in the past and the present.By the end of the course, the student is expected to be able to: demonstrate an in-depth understanding of how the Ecumenical Movement, Society and Christianity have affected each other in the twentieth century; display advanced insight into how various Christian communities have participated in, interacted in and been shaped by the Ecumenical Movement; demonstrate the ability to analyze themes that surfaced in the Ecumenical Movement debates and represent them accurately; reflect critically on the conditions of ecumenism.