📘 Lexicon Entry: Relational Receptivity

A theological approach that emphasizes receiving and responding to divine presence through relationship rather than achieving or controlling spiritual outcomes

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.

Theological Alternative

receptivity, contemplation, divine presence, relationship, spiritual formation, responsive agency, contemplative engagement

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

Studies of contemplative activism in contemporary spirituality

Research on receptivity and agency in theological anthropology

Analysis of contemplative traditions in social engagement

Richard Rohr

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

May 22, 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.*