Episode Summary: "An Ecumenism of the Trenches"

Podcast: Breakpoint
Host: John Stonestreet (Colson Center)
Date: March 25, 2026

Main Theme Overview

In this episode, John Stonestreet explores the complexities and possibilities of "ecumenism"—the movement toward Christian unity—specifically considering a surprising suggestion by some Roman Catholic officials: using the Protestant Augsburg Confession as ground for ecumenical efforts. Stonestreet discusses the historical context, the theological stakes, and what genuine Christian unity can (and can’t) look like without sacrificing truth. Drawing from Chuck Colson, Francis Schaeffer, G.K. Chesterton, and C.S. Lewis, he urges Christians to seek unity without compromise, to “argue for the truth” but avoid quarrels, and to work together on shared challenges without erasing real differences.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Augsburg Confession & New Ecumenical Possibilities

• [00:01] Stonestreet mentions an article describing how some Catholic leaders view the Augsburg Confession—a foundational Lutheran statement from 1530—as a potential paradigm for unity.
  • Context: Originally written by Philip Melanchthon for Protestant leaders and rejected by the Vatican at the time, the Augsburg Confession has shaped Protestant doctrine for centuries.
  • Analogy: Stonestreet quips, “the Vatican praising Augsburg is kind of like Pepsi telling customers to go try a Coke.”

The Promise and Perils of Ecumenism

• A Jesuit scholar in the article suggests that recognizing the Reformation’s enduring contributions and referencing the Augsburg Confession for unity “would further the cause of mission and a unified Christian witness to a broken world that needs to hear the Gospel.” (Quote at [01:06])
• Stonestreet asserts that unity must not come at the expense of truth:
  • “Bridge building should never devolve into moral compromise, certainly never to a denial of the Gospel.” ([01:26])
• Warnings against both extremes:
  • Tribalism: “When Christians reduce Christianity to only their own particular tradition, then preference is made dogma. Non essentials are made essential…Christianity can become less about the truth of the gospel or standing against heresy, and instead become simply a group or self identity.” ([01:55])
  • Compromised Unity: “When in the name of unity, essential Christian doctrines are ignored. Chuck Colson called this mushy or easygoing ecumenism.” ([02:17])

Faithfulness vs. Unity: The Critical Tension

• Stonestreet cites the history of mainline denominations, where the quest for “nebulous unity” led to a “denial of the importance of truth.”
  • In some recent evangelical circles, “caring about truth and doctrine is slandered as not really loving people.” ([02:25])
• Not all Christian disagreements are equally important, but “some are certainly worth dividing over.”

The Necessity of Creeds & Dogmas

• Chuck Colson, 2011:
  • “Without creeds and dogmas, without reference to what David Brooks called the accumulated wisdom of thousands of co believers throughout the centuries, religion succumbs to irrelevance and that can lead to an eternal destination that many people are being told no longer exist.” (Quote at [03:00])

Models for Christian Cooperation

• Co-belligerency & “Ecumenism of the Trenches”:
  • Based on Francis Schaeffer and Chuck Colson’s ideas, this is the practical recognition that “we don’t have to agree on everything…in order to work together on something.” ([03:25])
  • Christians can “stand shoulder to shoulder on ethical and social issues while also standing back to back against…the aggressiveness of the anti-Christian and hyper-secular attacks of the enemy these days.” ([03:40])
• But: “To do that kind of ecumenism well and without compromise…we have to keep arguing and love one another and for the truth.” ([03:48])
  • Specific example: “Roman Catholics and Protestants can’t both be right about Mary. One of us is going to be wrong, or more wrong than the other. The truth matters, and it matters more than just our tribe.” ([04:00])
• Constructive ecumenism must be rooted in a sincere struggle for truth.

The Role of Argument: Chesterton and Lewis

• G.K. Chesterton:
  • “People generally quarrel because they cannot argue, and it’s extraordinary to notice how few people in the modern world can argue. This is why there are so many quarrels breaking out again and again and never coming to any natural end theologically.” ([04:20])
• C.S. Lewis (from Mere Christianity):
  • “Above all, you must be asking which door is the true one? Not which pleases you best by its paint and paneling. In plain language, the question should never be do I like that kind of service? But are these doctrines true?” ([04:35])
• Stonestreet adds: “An ecumenism that does not compromise will require both the confidence that truth is real and knowable, and also the humility that God is at work in all of his people, not just in us.” ([05:01])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jesuit Scholar (Religion Unplugged Article, paraphrased by Stonestreet):
  “Acknowledging the Reformation’s contributions and recognizing the Augsburg Confession as a paradigm for Christian unity would further the cause of mission and a unified Christian witness to a broken world that needs to hear the Gospel.” ([01:06])
• John Stonestreet:
  “Bridge building should never devolve into moral compromise, certainly never to a denial of the Gospel.” ([01:26]) “Christianity can become less about the truth of the gospel or standing against heresy, and instead become simply a group or self identity.” ([01:55])
• Chuck Colson (2011):
  “Without creeds and dogmas…religion succumbs to irrelevance and that can lead to an eternal destination that many people are being told no longer exist.” ([03:00])
• Francis Schaeffer / Colson on Ecumenism of the Trenches:
  “We don’t have to agree on everything…in order to work together on something.” ([03:25])
• G.K. Chesterton:
  “People generally quarrel because they cannot argue, and it’s extraordinary to notice how few people in the modern world can argue. This is why there are so many quarrels breaking out again and again and never coming to any natural end theologically.” ([04:20])
• C.S. Lewis (Mere Christianity):
  “Above all, you must be asking which door is the true one? Not which pleases you best by its paint and paneling. In plain language, the question should never be do I like that kind of service? But are these doctrines true?” ([04:35])

Key Timestamps

• [00:01] — Introduction, Augsburg Confession, ecumenical possibility with the Vatican
• [01:06] — Jesuit scholar on unity and mission
• [01:26-01:55] — Dangers of compromise vs. dangers of tribalism
• [02:17-02:25] — Colson’s “mushy ecumenism”; examples from denominations and evangelical circles
• [03:00] — Chuck Colson quote on creeds and religious relevance
• [03:25-03:48] — “Ecumenism of the trenches,” Christian cooperation without compromise
• [04:00] — Real theological differences: example of Mary
• [04:20] — Chesterton on arguing vs. quarreling
• [04:35] — Lewis on the “true door” of Christian faith
• [05:01] — Necessary humility for non-compromising ecumenism

Conclusion

John Stonestreet, with insights from Christian thinkers and history, calls for what he terms “an ecumenism of the trenches”—a unity grounded in truth, characterized by cooperation on essential issues and energetic, loving debate over real theological differences. The episode challenges listeners to avoid both the dilution of doctrine and the idolization of tradition, encouraging earnest pursuit of truth and respectful engagement across denominational lines.