📘 Lexicon Entry: Presence

The first dimension of Wells’ “being with” framework involving physical proximity and genuine availability to others as foundational to relationship rather than optional addition.

The foundational dimension of authentic relationship that emphasizes physical proximity and genuine availability to others as essential rather than accidental aspects of genuine encounter. Drawing from Samuel Wells’ theological framework, presence constitutes the necessary foundation for all other relational dimensions including Attention, Mystery, and Participation. This concept challenges contemporary tendencies toward disembodied connection and service provision models that substitute resources for relationship. Grounded in incarnational theology, presence reflects the paradigm established by God’s embodied presence in Christ, where divine revelation occurs primarily through embodied presence rather than abstract communication. This theological alternative directly counters Practical Atheism by insisting that theological claims must be embodied in physical presence, and challenges digital substitution of virtual connection for authentic embodied relationship.

Theological Alternative

embodied theology, incarnational presence, relational foundation, physical proximity, authentic relationship, Wells framework, being with

Geevarghese-Uffman, Craig. “Presence.” *Political Theology Lexicon*. https://www.commonlifepolitics.com/p/lexicon. Accessed [date].

Embodied presence constitutes essential rather than optional aspect of authentic relationship

Divine revelation occurs primarily through embodied presence rather than abstract communication

Physical proximity enables genuine encounter that transcends mere information exchange

Availability to others reflects divine availability to humanity through incarnation

Vulnerability inherent in physical presence reflects divine self-giving in Christ

Reduction of relationship to information exchange without embodied presence

Abstract theological claims disconnected from embodied community

Digital substitution of virtual connection for physical presence

Gnostic devaluation of material dimension of relationship

Service provision models that provide resources without relationship

Physical Proximity: Intentional geographic closeness that enables regular, sustained interaction

Genuine Availability: Emotional and temporal accessibility that prioritizes relationship over efficiency

Incarnational Foundation: Grounded in God’s embodied presence in Christ as theological paradigm

Relational Priority: Valued for its own sake rather than as means to other ends

Vulnerability Embrace: Acceptance of risk and exposure inherent in physical proximity

Incarnational Theology: God’s embodied presence in Christ establishes paradigm for human relationship

Trinitarian Presence: Divine persons existing in perfect mutual availability and presence

Sacramental Ontology: Material realities mediating spiritual presence through physical elements

Tabernacling Tradition: God’s choice to dwell among rather than apart from humanity

Incarnation as "Word becoming flesh" establishing divine presence (John 1:14)

God’s tabernacling presence among Israel (Exodus 25:8)

Jesus’ physical touch in healing ministry (Mark 1:41)

Early church’s shared meals and physical gathering (Acts 2:42-47)

Paul’s desire for physical presence over letter-writing (1 Thessalonians 2:17-18)

L’Arche Communities: Shared life with individuals with intellectual disabilities emphasizing mutual vulnerability through daily presence

Incarnational Mission: Long-term presence and language learning in cross-cultural contexts rather than short-term service trips

Intentional Communities: Residential communities practicing shared daily life across racial, economic, and social differences

Hospice Ministry: Accompaniment through suffering emphasizing presence rather than cure-focused intervention

Urban Ministry: Sustained presence in marginalized neighborhoods building relationships over time

Samuel Wells’ development of “being with” framework from urban ministry experience demonstrates how sustained presence enables authentic relationship beyond service delivery models

Jean Vanier’s L’Arche communities provide concrete evidence for how physical proximity and shared vulnerability create conditions for mutual transformation

Research on digital communication demonstrates limitations of virtual connection for developing trust, empathy, and deep relationship

Studies of incarnational mission approaches show greater cultural understanding and sustainable impact through long-term presence

Related Theological Alternatives: Being With, Incarnational Presence, Trinitarian Participation

Key Mutations Addressed: Practical Atheism, Binary Apocalypticism

Related Dimensions: Attention, Mystery, Participation

Practical Expressions: Table Fellowship, Accompaniment, Hospitality Practice

May 25, 2025

*This entry is part of the Political Theology Lexicon, accessible exclusively to subscribers. View the complete lexicon to explore related concepts and the full theoretical framework.*