📘 Lexicon Entry: Mutual Indwelling

Short Definition
The reciprocal presence and interpenetration that characterizes authentic relationship, where parties exist within one another without loss of distinct identity.
Definition
A theological concept describing the reciprocal presence and interpenetration that characterizes both divine trinitarian life and authentic human relationships, where parties exist within one another without loss of distinct identity. Grounded in Johannine language of divine-human and human-divine indwelling, mutual indwelling provides foundation for understanding relationship beyond both external proximity and absorptive unity. This concept offers theological alternative to instrumental relationships by establishing genuine presence as constitutive of authentic communion. Mutual indwelling supports Interindependence by demonstrating how persons can exist within relationship without losing their particularity, directly challenging Practical Atheism’s reduction of relationship to external transaction.
Category
Theological Alternative
Keywords
indwelling, reciprocal presence, interpenetration, communion, relationship, participatory presence
Citation Guide
Geevarghese-Uffman, Craig. “Mutual Indwelling.” *Political Theology Lexicon*. https://www.commonlifepolitics.com/p/lexicon. Accessed [date].
Orthodox Alternatives
Authentic relationship involves mutual presence rather than mere proximity
Indwelling preserves rather than threatens individual identity
Reciprocity essential – genuine indwelling cannot be unilateral
Provides foundation for understanding both divine and human communion
Mutated Position
Relationship reduced to external proximity without genuine indwelling
Indwelling understood as absorption that eliminates personal boundaries
Unilateral presence that creates dependency rather than mutuality
Key Characteristics
Reciprocal presence that enhances rather than diminishes identity
Interpenetration without confusion or absorption
Constitutive rather than merely external relationship
Pattern found in both divine and human relationships
Theological Foundations
Trinitarian theology of mutual interpenetration
Johannine theology of divine-human indwelling
Mystical tradition of union with God
Relational ontology that grounds being in communion
Biblical Foundation
"Abide in me as I abide in you" (John 15:4)
"Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them" (John 6:56)
"God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them" (1 John 4:16)
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me" (Galatians 2:19-20)
Contemporary Expression
Marriage theology emphasizing mutual indwelling over contractual arrangement
Community development based on mutual presence rather than service delivery
Contemplative spirituality emphasizing mutual dwelling with God
Therapeutic approaches based on mutual presence rather than expert-client dynamics
Academic Research
Theological studies on participatory relationship models
Psychological research on mutual presence in therapeutic relationships
Sociological analysis of community formation through shared presence
Comparative religious studies on indwelling across traditions
Key Authors
John of Damascus
Meister Eckhart
Path Navigation
Related Primary Concepts: Interindependence through reciprocal presence
Theological Mutations Addressed: Practical Atheism, Tribal Epistemology
Historical Context: Johannine theology, mystical tradition, patristic trinitarian thought
Last Updated
May 23, 2025
Lex_entry_footer
Footer appended to all lexicon entries in Tana Publish
*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.*
Tana logo