Ecumenismo, valores sociais e modernização: a percepção dos agentes eclesiais

Abstract

Stemming from Modernization Theory developed by Inglehart and Welzel (2009) which discusses the importance of social values in human development, the thesis puts forward the hypothesis of an existing relationship between ecumenism and self-expression values. By using concepts such as social values (self-expression and survival), ecumenism and modernity, data collection consisted of documentary research in an ecumenical organization and two protestant churches as well as a survey with pastoral agents of one of the protestant churches. Both survey results and the qualitative analysis of documents support the positive relationship between ecumenism and social values related to liberating human development. Based on the findings of this thesis, it can be claimed that ecumenism contributes to Christian dialogue with modernity.