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 BethlehemAnno Domini 2019, December 29
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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The Sisters of Sophia will gather on the Commemoration of the Great Martyr Theodore, Anno Domini 2026, February 17. Rachel Garton will present The Battlefield of Compassion: Florence Nightingale, Clara Barton, and St Verena . Sisters of Sophia When Every third Tuesday Where The Ladder 2836 E Douglas, Wichita Parking available behind Eighth Day Books Schedule Food, drink, and fellowship at 6:30pm Eighth Day Convocation & Lecture at 7:20pm Membership Required? No, but do consider joining the community! Learn more and join here !
The Hall of Men will gather Thursday evening on the commemoration of St Meletius, Archbishop of Antioch, Anno Domini 2026, February 12. David Beutel will present on St. John Henry Newman. St. John Henry Newman (21 February 1801 – 11 August 1890) was an English Catholic theologian, academic, philosopher, historian, writer, and poet. He was previously an Anglican priest, and after his conversion to Catholicism, became a cardinal. Newman's beatification was proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI on 19 September 2010 during his visit to the United Kingdom. His canonization was officially approved by Pope Francis on 12 February 2019, and took place on 13 October 2019. Come and jo in us for the first toast of 2026 at the Hall of Men! If you haven’t seen a Catholic listen to the life story of John Wesley; if you haven’t watched a Protestant learn about Evagrius of Pontus; and if you haven’t seen Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant men sit around a table together and talk theology until midnight . . . then you need to come to the Hall of Men. When The commemoration of St Meletius, Archbishop of Antioch, Anno Domini 2026, February 12. Where The Ladder at 2836 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67214 Schedule Doors Open at 7 pm Food is served at 7:30pm Eighth Day Convocation at 8:30pm Presentation and toast by Derek Hale immediately following Convocation. Membership Required? No, but do consider joining the community! Learn more and join today here .
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