The need to engage in a spirited exchange seems to be an imperative with some who would plead Rome's case, but are they searching for truth or defending a lie?

Since Vatican II, the Roman church has been on the ecumenical bandwagon. As the new millennium approaches, Rome's interest in gathering all professing Christians to her bosom seems to be intensifying. Is this a realistic goal? Will Christians have to turn aside from foundational doctrines of the faith in order to embrace Roman theology? Is the Roman church willing to honestly look at her dogma and doctrine and, where necessary, bring them into line with the clear teaching of Scripture?

Any sweetheart ecumenical arrangement between Christians and the Roman church will be hopelessly one-sided. The Roman Catholic church has no intention of modifying her dogma, doctrine or practice one iota, so the Chrstian interested in joining the Roman circus will be expected to abandon all his beliefs which are not in line with what the RCC holds as truth. Ecumenism? No way! We are talking about subjugation to an earthly cult.

"Furthermore, in ecumenical dialogue, Catholic theologians, STANDING FAST BY THE TEACHING OF THE CHURCH yet searching together with severed brethren into the divine mysteries, should do so with love for the truth, with charity, and with humility. When comparing doctrines with one another, they should remember that in Catholic doctrine there exists an order or "hierarchy" of truths, since they vary in their relation to the foundation of the Christian faith. Thus the way will be opened whereby this kind of "fraternal rivalry" will incite all to a deeper realization and a clearer expression of the unfathomable riches of Christ.[3]--Vatican II, Decree on Ecumenism, (UNITATIS REDINTEGRATIO), para 11c, 21 November 1964) [Emphasis not in original]

"Standing fast by the teachings of the Church…" certainly shows Rome's willingness to engage in honest dialogue. Sure, they'll talk about their doctrine, but only to argue that it is correct, not to look honestly at it in light of what the Bible says. It has been my experience and observation that, more likely than not, the RCC spokesman will go to just about any length, including the use of misquotes, shifting sources, denial of the clear wording of even RCC documents, etc., in order to defend Catholic dogma and doctrine.

Given Rome's doctrinal rigidity, the likelihood of anything resembling meaningful dialogue on issues of biblical doctrine seems quite remote. This is understandable, of course, when one considers that any Roman Catholic who does not hold to the party line on matters of dogma and doctrine will find himself anathematized. I should imagine that, for those who have placed their hopes for eternity in the hands of Rome, this is a fate almost too terrible to be contemplated. So, they promote the façade of ecumenical dialogue when, in reality, they only parrot what the Magisterium has declared to be 'truth.'

Is God in favor of ecumenism? Does He desire that His creation unite without regard to doctrinal differences? Would He be pleased to see believers forsaking sound biblical doctrine in order to embrace the false teachings of Rome? The Bible is quite clear on this:

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.--2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Should believers give ear to the arguments of the Roman apologists and proselyters? Should we give them opportunities to air their heretical teachings in a Christian channel? Again, I do believe the Bible gives clear guidance:

Galatians 1:6-9, "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed."