Receptive hermeneutics in the dialogue between Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christians : new approaches

Abstract

The objective of this thesis is to analyse the theory of Receptive Ecumenism as a potential in doing ecumenism, especially with its focus on the reception of gifts from each tradition. Receptive Ecumenism is deemed as a positive way of doing ecumenism, by bringing to the fore the process of reception without eschewing what has been achieved by way of bilateral dialogues. This perspective is very useful in delving into the process of the Roman Catholic – Eastern Orthodox dialogue. Hence, this research follows the interpretation of the process underlying Receptive Ecumenism. While a lot has been achieved in the dialogue between the Roman Catholic and the Eastern Orthodox Christians, there still remain stumbling blocks, with the main bone of contention being the role and function of the Petrine ministry. Hence, the theory of Receptive Ecumenism and its hermeneutics are applied to the dialogue between the two traditions in order to analyse how the two Churches can receive gifts from each other, enhancing them in the process. This greatly contributes towards the edification of the One Church of Christ.