“But the monastic understanding of Jesus is far more than mere correct doctrine about Catholic or ecumenical Christian faith and morality, church and monastery structures, or the correct performance of liturgy and sacraments. It is a life experience. We become ‘like Christ,’ or ‘Christian.’ Perhaps that is why monastics have always been both protectors of orthodoxy and pioneers in ecumenical and interfaith dialogue.”

Talbot, John Michael. Blessings of St. Benedict. Collegeville, MN : Liturgical Press, 2011, page 126.

Talbot says that while correct doctrine is necessary, it isn’t enough. That would only be head knowledge of Christ; and it’s important not to forget a heart knowledge of Jesus. I wonder whether he would admit that this “life experience” of the Lord can be gained through immersion in “correct doctrine.” I ask because I have known many folks utterly concerned about protecting “pure doctrine” and orthodoxy, who never wanted to get tainted by being involved in ecumenical and interfaith dialogue.