📘 Lexicon Entry: Relational Receptivity

Short Definition
A theological approach that emphasizes receiving and responding to divine presence through relationship rather than achieving or controlling spiritual outcomes
Definition
Relational receptivity represents a theological alternative to both activist striving and passive quietism, understanding the spiritual life as fundamentally about receiving God’s presence and responding through relationship rather than managing outcomes. This approach draws on contemplative traditions while maintaining engagement with the world, emphasizing receptivity to divine action as the foundation for human agency rather than human initiative as the basis for spiritual achievement. In contrast to the multiplication of spiritual options characteristic of the Nova Effect, relational receptivity calls for deepening relationship with divine presence rather than expanding choices. This framework complements Interindependence by grounding mutual relationship in receptive openness to divine love, creating space for authentic communion without the manipulation characteristic of theological mutations.
Category
Theological Alternative
Keywords
receptivity, contemplation, divine presence, relationship, spiritual formation, responsive agency, contemplative engagement
Citation Guide
Geevarghese-Uffman, Craig. “Relational Receptivity.” *Political Theology Lexicon*. https://www.commonlifepolitics.com/p/lexicon. Accessed [date].
Orthodox Alternatives
Spiritual life grounded in receiving divine initiative rather than human achievement
Contemplative awareness that enables rather than replaces active engagement
Responsive agency that flows from divine relationship rather than autonomous will
Balance between receptivity and responsibility in spiritual formation
Mutated Position
Spiritual life reduced to either human effort without divine grace or divine action without human response
Contemplation separated from engagement, creating false dualism between prayer and action
Receptivity misunderstood as passivity, eliminating human agency and responsibility
Key Characteristics
Emphasizes receiving divine presence as foundation for human action
Integrates contemplative awareness with engaged responsiveness
Maintains both divine initiative and human agency without competition
Grounds ethical action in relationship rather than rules or outcomes
Theological Foundations
Eastern Orthodox emphasis on theosis through divine-human synergy
Ignatian spirituality’s integration of contemplation and action
Reformed understanding of grace as empowering rather than replacing human agency
Feminist theology’s critique of activist burnout and emphasis on receptive wisdom
Biblical Foundation
Mary’s receptive "yes" enabling divine incarnation (Luke 1:38)
Jesus’s contemplative practice grounding his active ministry (Mark 1:35)
Paul’s understanding of being "worked in" by God (Philippians 2:12-13)
Contemporary Expression
Contemplative communities that integrate prayer and social justice
Spiritual direction approaches that emphasize discernment over decision-making
Activist communities grounded in contemplative practice
Therapeutic approaches integrating mindfulness with engaged action
Academic Research
Studies of contemplative activism in contemporary spirituality
Research on receptivity and agency in theological anthropology
Analysis of contemplative traditions in social engagement
Key Authors
Richard Rohr
Path Navigation
Related Primary Concepts: Interindependence, Nova Effect
Key Mutations: Practical Atheism, Binary Apocalypticism
Contemporary Movements: Identity Synthesis
Theological Alternatives: Being With, Analogical Metaphysics
Historical Context: Syncretism
Last Updated
May 22, 2025
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*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.*
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