Ecumenism of the Right Kind

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.