By Thomas Jay Oord and Michael Lodahl This study calls us to center our understanding and practice of Christian holiness where John Wesley did – in the love of God and neighbor. It also highlights Wesley’s wisdom about the vital role of spiritual practices in nurturing and shaping this love. Relational Holiness offers insight and evidence for understanding the theology of holiness by focusing on love – the core of...
Before We Start – Do You Believe In God?
From the book: “Relational Holiness – Responding to the Call of Love.” By Thomas J. Oord and Michael Lodahl. What does it mean to say you believe? (20:54) The Apostle Paul supports what Jordan Peterson is saying here about the challenge toward being good. “14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but...
Chapter 1 – Pygmies and Atoms
From the book Relational Holiness – Responding to the Call of Love by Thomas J. Oord and Michael Lodahl What is Holiness? [1] Consecrated to God’s service, and conforming all things to the will of God (Romans 6:19, 6:22; Ephesians 1:4; Titus 1:8; 1 Peter 1:15-16). Personal holiness is a work of gradual development. Holiness carries on under many hindrances, hence the frequent admonitions to watchfulness,...
Chapter 2 – Searching for the Core
From the book Relational Holiness – Responding to the Call of Love by Thomas J. Oord and Michael Lodahl What does it mean to be holy? “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” Inigo Montoya – Princess Bride. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wujVMIYzYXg The Apostle Paul wrote: “The very credentials these people are waving around as something special, I’m tearing up and throwing out with the trash – along...
Chapter 3 – Adventures in Love
From the book Relational Holiness – Responding to the Call of Love by Thomas J. Oord and Michael Lodahl Love functions as the core notion of holiness. Love starts with God.[1] God made us in His image (Genesis 1:27, ESV) so we bear some of that image in that we naturally love through “Affection” (storge), “Friendship” (philia), and “Romantic Love” (Eros). However, where we have a vision and enjoyment of...
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