2. Ecumenism, Irenicism, and Communism

We must repeat that the word "ecumenism" clearly has an excellent meaning in itself (cf. Ch. IV, 2, D).

Nevertheless, it is also susceptible of an irenic meaning. Once all religions are admitted as relative "truths" in a Hegelian dialogue, ecumenism assumes the aspect of their dialectical march toward a single, universal religion synthetically fabricated from the fragments of truth in each one and despoiled of the dross of current contradictions.

Seen in this light, ecumenism is an immense preparation of all religions, through Hegelian dialogue, to participate, once they are all united, in a subsequent dialogue with the communist antithesis.