Perhaps the best way to begin is with Webster …

• Ecumenical – “Representing the whole of a body of churches; promoting or tending toward worldwide Christian unity or cooperation.”
• Universalism – “A theological doctrine that all human beings will eventually be saved.”

At first glance they seem very different. Ecumenical tends toward church unity across all religions or, at the very least, across those that see themselves as Christian. Universalism, on the other hand, would seem to be a theological belief regarding the eternal salvation of mankind, regardless of religious preferences.

What is important to note is that while denominations (and even churches within a denomination) have differing views on the concept of eternal life after the grave, this belief is often paramount to the core of most religions. From that perspective, there is a significant intersection between the words “ecumenical” and “universalism.”

What is the Ecumenical Movement in America?

For the rising number of churches that discount the Bible’s authenticity as a sacred text, there is increasing latitude to be inclusive in a broadening of fellowships between various denominations. Adding to the loss of a Scriptural foundation is the increasing emphasis on human-determined social moral principles, which can be seen across a broad range of religious traditions. Put succinctly, if denominations and churches don’t have a high view of Scripture (i.e., inerrancy), then there are fewer distinctions between them, facilitating an ecumenical (unified) movement on like-minded social issues (such as helping the poor, same-sex marriage, and abortion, for example). This plays well in the minds of liberal pastors and priests who are fearful of their dwindling congregations. However, attempts at unification on social issues have resulted in denominations losing their distinctions, and with no Biblical foundation, they are only accelerating their atrophy.

Facilitating this deterioration and deconstruction is the World Council of Churches (WCC) which allegedly promotes:

• Unity among Christian denominations (John 17:21)
• Witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20)
• Service and advocacy for justice and peace for mankind (Matthew 25:40)

The WCC includes mainline Protestant, Anglican, and Eastern Orthodox churches. Founded in 1948 in Geneva, Switzerland, it currently purports to represent over 560 million individuals with a stated goal to “work for the case of ecumenicalism,” having close ties to Roman Catholicism.

What is the Universalism movement in America?

Anyone who acknowledges that there is a Creator and that we are the created must decide what happens after physical death. Biblical Christians offer the traditional “plan of salvation” that includes a recognition of the grace and love of God, who offered His Son as a substitute for our sins. However, that worldview is limited to those who put their faith and trust in Christ as their Savior and Lord.

For those who limit Jesus to one who is merely a good moral example of how we should love each other, or reject Christ entirely as they believe in another god or gods, there is open to them multiple different (false) paths to their version of nirvana. Often each religion or denomination is exclusionary in their beliefs, requiring multiple forms of good deeds or “works” to obtain a better place to reside for eternity after physical death.

However, as each group faces the bigotry of their isolated solution to obtaining “Heaven,” many have found solace in the view that all roads lead to Heaven. It is a compromise that warms the heart by allowing everyone to believe as they wish while not ostracizing theological differences. As with ecumenism, but broader … the blending of faiths into a common acceptance of multiple paths to Heaven waters down each religious worldview to the point where differences become less divisive.

Conclusion

If the books of Revelation, Daniel, Matthew 24, and 1 Thessalonians are correct, in our interpretation, one of the factors that brings on the end-times is the concept of a one-world religion. This theology is in alignment with philosophies regarding a rejection of the trustworthiness of the Bible and the resulting unification of all religions (ecumenism and universalism) under a single satanic pastor, the False Prophet. His end will be eternal torment, but only after supporting Satan’s deception of the nations (Revelation 20:7-8).

And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. - Revelation 19:20