📘 Lexicon Entry: Perichoresis

The mutual indwelling and interpenetration of the three persons of the Trinity without confusion or separation, establishing the pattern for authentic relationship that preserves both unity and distinction.

A theological concept describing the mutual indwelling and interpenetration of the three persons of the Trinity without confusion or separation, establishing the pattern for authentic relationship that preserves both unity and distinction. Developed by the Cappadocian Fathers and refined through Eastern Orthodox tradition, perichoresis (from Greek perichorein, meaning "to dance around" or "to make room for") articulates how divine persons exist in perfect communion while maintaining their distinct identities—each person fully dwells within the others without confusion, separation, or hierarchy. This concept provides theological foundation for Interindependence and offers an alternative to both absorptive unity and isolated individualism. Perichoresis challenges Tribal Epistemology by demonstrating how authentic relationship enables rather than threatens distinctive identity, and provides the foundation for [Trinitarian Participation](placeholder-url) and [Relational Ontology](placeholder-url).

Theological Genealogy

Trinity, mutual indwelling, interpenetration, communion, unity-in-diversity, relational ontology, Cappadocian Fathers, perichorein

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

Trinitarian theology of communion rather than isolation

Relational understanding of divine being challenging substance metaphysics

Pattern for all authentic relationship between distinct entities

Foundation for ecclesiology based on communion rather than hierarchy

Trinitarian theology scholarship examining social and ethical implications

Comparative studies between Eastern and Western trinitarian traditions

Application to contemporary ecclesiology and social ethics

Philosophical exploration of relational ontology and its implications

Related Primary Concepts: Interindependence as human reflection of divine communion

Key Alternatives: Being With through mutual indwelling, Relational Receptivity

Theological Mutations Addressed: Tribal Epistemology, Binary Apocalypticism

Historical Context: Cappadocian trinitarian theology, Eastern Orthodox tradition, contemporary recovery of social trinitarianism

May 23, 2025

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Three distinct persons in perfect mutual indwelling without loss of identity

Unity achieved through interpenetration rather than hierarchy or subordination

Each person retains full divine nature while existing in complete communion

Provides model for human relationships that honor both unity and particularity

Developed by Cappadocian Fathers (Gregory of Nazianzus, Basil, Gregory of Nyssa) to articulate trinitarian relationship

Refined by John of Damascus in systematic trinitarian theology

Preserved and developed in Eastern Orthodox tradition

Recovered in contemporary Western trinitarian theology as alternative to purely Western emphasis on divine unity

Jesus’s prayer for unity: "As you, Father, are in me and I am in you" (John 17:21)

"I am in the Father and the Father is in me" (John 14:10-11)

Pauline language of mutual indwelling with Christ (Galatians 2:20)

Spirit dwelling in believers while believers dwell in God (1 John 4:13-16)

Recovery of social trinitarianism emphasizing divine relationality

Ecclesiological models based on trinitarian communion rather than institutional hierarchy

Interfaith dialogue that maintains distinctiveness within relationship

Political models that honor diversity within unity