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.