Guide for Navigating the Cosmos of Roman Catholicism by an Evangelical Research Institute
The Rome Scholars and Leaders Network (RSLN) recently concluded its seventh annual event, held from June 10-13 in Rome. This annual gathering brings together scholars and leaders from various countries, fostering a unique platform for evangelical analysis of Roman Catholicism.
During the four-day event, a wide range of topics were covered, including the pillars of the Roman Catholic theological system, Roman Catholicism as a worldview, the Holy Spirit in Reformation theology, and the beatific vision in Protestant and Catholic theology, among others. Discussions also delved into the theological method of Roman Catholicism, the Catholic theology of priesthood and Eucharist, trends in Catholic missiology, and the dogma of the bodily assumption of Mary.
The RSLN attracted participants from a diverse array of backgrounds. Many were professors at evangelical theology faculties, PhD students, or held leadership roles in evangelical ministries. Half of the participants were first-time attendees, while the other half were scholars who had participated in previous editions.
Notable speakers included Gavin Ortlund, a North American evangelical apologist, who spoke on "Always be ready: sharing faith today". Ortlund's talk was open to Roman evangelical churches during the public evening. Another key figure was Prof. Philipp Renczes, a Catholic theologian, who participated in a dialogue session and presented challenges facing Catholic theology, as well as answering questions about current trends within Catholicism.
The event also featured the presentation of a book entitled The Nicene Creed: Can Evangelicals and Catholics Profess It Together? The papers presented during the RSLN were followed by discussions and informal conversations to help participants refine the issues and share applications of the various topics to their specific contexts in academic, ecclesial, or missionary service.
This year's RSLN participants included Leonardo De Chirico, Reid Karr, and Clay Kannard. The event demonstrated that evangelical analysis is open to dialogue without practicing "ecumenical" forms of dialogue. The RSLN serves as a testament to the ongoing dialogue between evangelical and Catholic scholars, aiming to deepen mutual understanding and respect.
The RSLN is set to publish a book, a collaboration of 11 scholars from the network, by the end of the year. The book will be published by MatthiasMedia. The next edition of the RSLN is expected to continue this valuable dialogue and exploration of theological topics.
