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Full-Text Articles in Religion
A Plain Account Of Christian Purity: Berlin Walls, Dean G. Blevins, Marie Gregg
A Plain Account Of Christian Purity: Berlin Walls, Dean G. Blevins, Marie Gregg
The Asbury Journal
While theological definitions of holiness incorporate purity terminology among several metaphors, the challenges resident in using this language may well impede opportunities of engaging difference and reconciliation. Wesleyans need a “Plain Account” of Christian purity to guide both ecclesial discussions that stress not only strengths, but also limits, in purity thinking. Using an example involving the Church of the Nazarene and Pentecostalism, the writing reveals how purity thinking risks creating “Berlin walls” when engaging differences. The analysis argues that a moral fear of degradation, rather than an acknowledgment of difference, often pushes purity thinkers to oppose certain issues.
A Wesleyan Missiological Perspective On Holiness Across Cultures, Marcus W. Dean
A Wesleyan Missiological Perspective On Holiness Across Cultures, Marcus W. Dean
The Asbury Journal
Missiology has focused on various aspects of contextualization and the importance of salvation, but has not dealt extensively with the biblical concept of holiness. From a Wesleyan perspective this paper looks at holiness from the lens of contextualization. A biblical support of contextualization is presented. Then the cultural factors of values—the dynamics of shame, guilt, and fear are explored— and purity are examined as starting points to contextualize the holiness message. While holiness is ultimately about ethical life and relationships, the message must be built upon culturally understandable concepts.