Can Inclusive Theology Redefine Holiness As Wholeness Rather Than Purity?
Inclusive theology is an approach to Christianity that seeks to expand its boundaries beyond traditional definitions and beliefs. It recognizes the diversity of human experience and emphasizes the importance of respecting individual differences while upholding the central tenets of faith. One of the most important aspects of inclusive theology is its recognition that holiness cannot be reduced to purity alone. Instead, it views holiness as wholeness - a state of being that encompasses physical, emotional, spiritual, and social wellbeing. This concept challenges the longstanding view of holiness as a state of moral perfection that excludes anyone who does not meet certain standards.
The idea that holiness is more than just purity has been present throughout history in various forms of Christian thought.
The Gnostic tradition recognized the dual nature of the divine and material worlds and believed that holiness was achieved through the union of these two realms within oneself. Similarly, some early Protestant thinkers like Martin Luther and John Calvin argued that true holiness could only be attained by living in accordance with God's will, which meant accepting both good and bad experiences as part of life's journey.
The notion of holiness as wholeness has gained prominence in recent years due to the influence of feminist theology and liberation theology. These movements have highlighted how religious traditions often exclude marginalized groups, including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others. They argue that holiness should not be defined solely in terms of sexual purity but rather as a broader sense of integrity, justice, and compassion for all creation.
Inclusive theology recognizes the complexity of human experience and acknowledges that different people may struggle with different aspects of their lives. Rather than focusing on sexual purity or avoiding temptation, it encourages individuals to embrace their bodies, feelings, relationships, and desires while seeking holistic transformation. It emphasizes that physical intimacy can be holy when approached with love and mutual respect, regardless of gender or orientation. This view challenges traditional interpretations of Scripture that emphasize abstinence until marriage and condemn premarital sex outside heterosexual monogamy.
Inclusive theology seeks to redefine Christianity beyond its narrow focus on sin and salvation. It recognizes that humans are not simply sinners who need saving but whole persons made in God's image who must navigate complex social, economic, and political systems. It advocates for social justice, environmental stewardship, and other forms of collective action to create a more equitable world. By embracing this wider vision of holiness, inclusive theology offers hope and possibility to those who have been excluded from mainstream Christianity.
Some critics argue that this approach undermines the central role of repentance in Christianity. They believe that without recognition of individual guilt and forgiveness, true transformation cannot occur. Others worry that inclusive theology reduces faith to merely personal choice and ignores larger cultural forces that perpetuate oppression. Still, others fear that this approach will lead to moral relativism and compromise.
Inclusive theology's emphasis on wholeness over purity challenges traditional understandings of holiness and invites us to consider how we might expand our definition of what it means to be holy. By embracing diversity, compassion, and collective responsibility, it provides a new way forward for Christianity in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.
Can inclusive theology redefine holiness as wholeness rather than purity?
The question of whether inclusive theology can redefine holiness as wholeness instead of purity is an interesting one that has been debated for centuries within Christianity. While there are many different perspectives on this issue, some argue that it is possible to view holiness through a lens of wholeness instead of purity.