📘 Lexicon Entry: Mutual Indwelling

The reciprocal presence and interpenetration that characterizes authentic relationship, where parties exist within one another without loss of distinct identity.

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.

Theological Alternative

indwelling, reciprocal presence, interpenetration, communion, relationship, participatory presence

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

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

Relationship reduced to external proximity without genuine indwelling

Indwelling understood as absorption that eliminates personal boundaries

Unilateral presence that creates dependency rather than mutuality

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

Trinitarian theology of mutual interpenetration

Johannine theology of divine-human indwelling

Mystical tradition of union with God

Relational ontology that grounds being in communion

"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)

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

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

John of Damascus

Meister Eckhart

Related Primary Concepts: Interindependence through reciprocal presence

Key Alternatives: Being With, Relational Receptivity

Theological Mutations Addressed: Practical Atheism, Tribal Epistemology

Historical Context: Johannine theology, mystical tradition, patristic trinitarian thought

May 23, 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.*