Blog Post

Ecumenism of the Right Kind

Why I'm an Eighth Day Member & Why You Should Be One Too

by Hans Boersma

Feast of the Holy Innocents Slain by Herod in Bethlehem
Anno Domini 2019, December 29

IF YOU HAVE experienced an Eighth Day conference like the Symposium or the Florovsky-Newman Week, it would be clear why you should become an Eighth Day Member.

For those of you who haven’t experienced an Eighth Day event, let me give you a couple of reasons why I think you should be a member.

First, you can only spend your money once. You might as well spend it on something that is worthwhile. And obviously Eighth Day Institute is worthwhile. So spend your money on it! It’s very simple.

Second, for the most part academic conferences are boring. But when I come to Eighth Day Institute, to the bookstore, to conferences such as this one, I feel at home. It’s something for the life of the mind. It’s something for the life of the Church. And as Fr. Alexander Schmemann I think would say, it’s something for the life of the world. So if you are interested in the life of the mind, the life of the Church, and the life of the world, you should be an Eighth Day Member.

Third, the way I got to know Eighth Day Institute was through Eighth Day Books. I remember being at a conference in Chicago and there was this bookstore there with a large selection of books set up. Browsing through those books, I noticed three particular categories: the Inklings, the Church Fathers, and Orthodoxy. Each of these three scream participation. They are all about sacramental ontology. And since I write about sacramental ontology, how could I not support Eighth Day Institute!

Fourth, Eighth Day Institute facilitates ecumenism of the right kind. There are disagreements, sure. But there is no attempt at papering over those differences, at all. When you hear Erin talk about the life of Orthodoxy, he does not hide his Orthodox convictions under a bushel. And likewise, when you hear Catholic or Evangelical scholars they will tell you right up front who they are. I think that’s something worthy of support. At the same time, we all recognize that with all of our differences – and they are serious in some places – there is a recognition of a unity in Christ that somehow comes through, for which I am deeply grateful. So it’s ecumenism of the right kind.

And finally, until the end of the year it's half price for only 18 bucks. Come on, become an Eighth Day Patron today.

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In an isolating secularized culture where the Church's voice is muffled through her many divisions, Christians need all the help they can get to strengthen their faith in God and love toward their neighbor. Eighth Day Institute offers hope to all Christians through our adherence to the Nicene faith, our ecumenical dialogues of love and truth, and our many events and publications to strengthen faith, grow in wisdom, and foster Christian friendships of love. Will you join us in our efforts to renew soul & city? Donate today and join the community of Eighth Day Members who are working together to renew culture through faith & learning.