Journal for Christian theology and religious studies

KS Studies 2024, 1(2):5-16 | DOI: 10.32725/kss.2026.002

Eucharistic Unity in a New Viewpoint: Perspectives of Human Sciences in the Ecumenical Dialogue

Zoltán Csizmadia
John Wesley Theological College, Budapest, Hungary

The Eucharist is the central mystery of Christian faith and worship, and therefore one of the cornerstones of ecumenical rapprochement. The documents and theological agreements of the ecumenical dialogue that unfolded in the 20th century clearly show that the rapprochement between the churches took place primarily in a dogmatic – and partly liturgical – approach. Although these efforts are indispensable, they result in slow progress on their own, as the emphasis is often placed on seeking theoretical consensus, while the lived, experiential, and communal dimensions of the Eucharist are pushed into the background.

The basic premise of this study is that Eucharistic ecumenism can become more fruitful if, in addition to dogmatic discourse, it consciously incorporates the findings of contemporary human sciences, especially anthropology, psychology, sociology, and pastoral psychology. These disciplines point out that shared rituals shape identity, have healing and community-building powers, and are capable of conveying an existential experience that goes beyond mere intellectual understanding.

Within this framework, the study examines several ecumenically relevant dimensions of the Eucharist: the Eucharist as a rite and a place of encounter; the symbolic interpretation of the Eucharist; the Eucharist as thanksgiving; the relationship between the Eucharist and spiritual health; and the eco-theological perspectives of the Eucharistic spirit. These themes highlight that the Eucharist is not an isolated teaching or a dogmatic question in itself, but a complex liturgical process in which the event of salvation becomes experiential in the celebration of the community.

The study concludes that the Eucharistic approach cannot be based solely on rational-intellectual considerations, but must address the whole person: emotions, openness to community, physicality, and the dimensions of symbolic experience. An interdisciplinary approach allows the Eucharist to be not merely a subject of debate, but a shared spiritual reality that can promote the path towards Christian unity.

Keywords: Eucharist, ecumenical dialogue, ritual, symbol, pastoral psychology, spiritual health, thanksgiving, eco-theology

Received: January 6, 2026; Revised: January 6, 2026; Accepted: June 2, 2026; Published: July 29, 2026  Show citation

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Csizmadia, Z. (2024). Eucharistic Unity in a New Viewpoint: Perspectives of Human Sciences in the Ecumenical Dialogue. KS Studies, 1(2), 5-16. doi: 10.32725/kss.2026.002
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