Irenicism and Ecumenism in the Early Modern World: a Revaluation

Louthan, Howard (1963– )

doi:0029-8514

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Title: Irenicism and Ecumenism in the Early Modern World: a Revaluation

Abstract:

The article offers a reassessment of early modern irenicism. Irenicism and ecumenism, which were once significant areas of study for Reformation specialists, have drifted to the scholarly margins. I argue that this shift is part of a broader phenomenon connected to the study of religion that draws increasingly more from anthropologically based methodologies. In response, the article provides an overview of irenicism in the early modern world and proposes a new set of questions to help us better understand this important dynamic today.

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