📘 Lexicon Entry: Being With

A theological framework that understands God’s primary purpose as relational presence rather than problem-solving, emphasizing relationship valued for its own sake

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.

Theological Alternative

presence, relationship, incarnation, non-instrumental, community, embodiment, pastoral theology, practical theology

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

Studies of presence and accompaniment in pastoral theology

Research on incarnational ministry and community development

Analysis of contemplative approaches to social engagement

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

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.*