📘 Lexicon Entry: Being With

Short Definition
A theological framework that understands God’s primary purpose as relational presence rather than problem-solving, emphasizing relationship valued for its own sake
Definition
Being With represents a theological alternative to instrumental approaches that reduce relationship to problem-solving or outcome achievement. Developed by Samuel Wells, this framework understands God’s fundamental purpose as being present with creation rather than fixing problems, and calls communities to embody this same pattern of non-instrumental presence. The framework challenges both liberal activism (which prioritizes solving problems) and conservative moralism (which prioritizes correct behavior) with a vision of presence that values relationship for its own sake. This approach provides direct alternative to the instrumental focus characteristic of theological mutations, particularly offering response to both Practical Atheism and Binary Apocalypticism. The framework aligns with Interindependence by grounding relationship in mutual presence rather than utility, while challenging the fragmented individualism associated with the Nova Effect.
Category
Theological Alternative
Keywords
presence, relationship, incarnation, non-instrumental, community, embodiment, pastoral theology, practical theology
Citation Guide
Geevarghese-Uffman, Craig. “Being With.” *Political Theology Lexicon*. https://www.commonlifepolitics.com/p/lexicon. Accessed [date].
Orthodox Alternatives
Divine purpose understood as communion with creation rather than problem resolution
Incarnation as God’s commitment to presence with humanity rather than exemption from suffering
Community life organized around mutual presence rather than task completion
Ministry focused on accompaniment rather than solutions or judgment
Mutated Position
Christianity reduced to either solving social problems or maintaining doctrinal purity
Divine purpose instrumentalized for human agendas rather than valued as communion
Relationship valued only for its outcomes rather than intrinsic worth
Key Characteristics
Emphasizes presence over problem-solving or performance
Values relationship for its own sake rather than instrumental purposes
Integrates contemplative depth with engaged practice
Maintains both divine transcendence and intimate presence
Theological Foundations
Incarnational theology understanding divine presence as ultimate expression of love
Trinitarian communion as model for human relationship
Anglican via media balancing contemplation and engagement
Pastoral theology grounded in sustained presence with communities
Biblical Foundation
God’s promise to be with people as ultimate blessing (Matthew 1:23)
Jesus’s table fellowship with marginalized people (Mark 2:15-17)
Cross as ultimate test of divine commitment to presence (Mark 15:34)
Contemporary Expression
L’Arche communities emphasizing mutual relationship over service delivery
Accompaniment ministries with marginalized populations
Contemplative communities integrating prayer and presence
Pastoral care focused on being with rather than fixing people
Academic Research
Studies of presence and accompaniment in pastoral theology
Research on incarnational ministry and community development
Analysis of contemplative approaches to social engagement
Key Authors
Path Navigation
Related Primary Concepts: Interindependence, Christianism, Nova Effect
Key Mutations: Practical Atheism, Binary Apocalypticism
Contemporary Movements: Identity Synthesis
Theological Alternatives: Relational Receptivity, 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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