Let's talk about e humanism and some interfaith dialogue So how do we embrace unity and systematic theology combined

with the contemporary context of ecumenism and interfaith dialogue So this lecture we will explore how theology rooted in biblical

principles contributes to a deeper understanding among people of different faiths So let's start with ecumenism seeking

unity among Christian traditions What is ecumenism is the theological effort to promote unity among different

Christian traditions So in systematic theology how does this engage here with this issue by focusing

on the shared beliefs fostering more collaboration we see in Ephesians 43 make every effort to keep the unity

of the spirit through the bond of peace So this verse is encouraging Christians to actively pursue

and maintain the unity of the spirit This is promoting co-operation and understanding among diverse believers which is important

now interfaith dialogue beyond Bridges beyond Christianity interfaith dialogue really involves conversations and more mutual understanding between members of

different faith traditions of different religions How do we find common ground How do we find talking points Systematic theology

contributes to this by identifying common ground and really promoting that those more respectful discussions Let's look

at first Peter 315 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord always be prepared

to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that

you have but do this with gentleness and respect So this verse is really telling us showing us the

importance of engaging in dialogue but doing it in a humble gentle way with respect providing a more biblical

foundation for those deeper conversations Now recognizing shared values OK And systematic theology this really acknowledges these values and

ethical principles among different faiths as well while recognizing their differences OK That's the important part It seeks

common ground for collaboration and addressing the more societal challenges We see this in Micah 68 he has shown

you oh mortal what is good and what does the Lord require of you to act justly and to

love mercy and to walk humbly with your God So this is a very important verse

really giving us the universal call to justice to mercy and humility Now when we

use these we use these as points of connection to connect across those different fades to connect

with people through these different ways There are two ways to do things we can shut down because we

don't agree with something that we think is not correct or we know is not correct

or we can find ways to bridge that gap to get in to have those discussions have

those conversations That's what we're seeing here and and these are some great examples of how to do

that Number four is theological humility So engaging in ecumenism gauging in interfaith dialogue really requires a

more deeper humility OK A recognition that no one tradition holds a monopoly on divine truth Necessarily

systematic theology encourages an open minded approach to learning from others There's always things we can learn

from others as long as we are sticking with the Bible first in Proverbs 26 for the

Lord gives wisdom from his mouth come knowledge and understanding So acknowledging that God is

the source of all wisdom this gives us that attitude of humility that we should

all have and that we can all work on Recognize that theological insight can be found diversely can

be found across different traditions If we are looking for different things we can learn This does not mean that

we believe in all the different religions We focus on the Bible We know the

Bible is correct We stick with the Bible as our foundation but you can always learn different things

from different people and different religions take those different things use them as ways to bridge

the gap use them as ways to speak use them as good talking points and then move forward

from there So in conclusion the contemporary issues that we see this modern world ecumenism taking that

to talking with other religions which is interfaith dialogue through systematic theology OK This should

help us build a stronger unity have better collaboration by grounding those reflections in biblical principles What are those biblical

principles Focus on focus on respect shared values humility So believers can engage in more

co better conversations deeper conversations contributing to creating more harmony contributing to finding ways to bridge

the gap finding ways to bring someone over to see things from a biblical perspective that maybe they're

not seeing from that biblical perspective There are ways to do that to not turn off to not shy

away but share finding that interconnection finding those things we can connect with we can agree

on and then moving forward from there So thank you for completing this lecture I'll

see you in the next one