by: Ber Stackhouse, MBA October 17, 2012
Biblical passages from the NRSV (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1989).
Many consider holiness and its application in life. Holiness is often connected with the Divine. When moving from objects to the term’s relation with humans, how is this applied and what does this lend to self-concepts and theology?
Van A. Harvey in A Handbook of Theological Terms explains Holy as, “In the Book of Leviticus men are commanded to be H. because God is H., and it is understood that this includes being just, truthful and merciful. So, too, in so far as the moral commandments are fused with ceremonial ones, objects like the temple, the altar, the Holy of Holies can also be called H. Holiness has traditionally been regarded as one of the NOTES OF THE CHURCH.”[1]
There are perspectives[2] that may provide context to the paradigm one has of being holy.
1. Holiness from recognition of weakness or limitation.
2. Holiness from an awareness of innate goodness.
A perspective on holiness is to see it as wholeness. For example, if one is holy, one can experience the awareness of being whole and complete. Rev. Thomas Shepherd, D.Min notes that holiness is “a positive move toward wholeness, not just avoiding mistakes.”[3]
The framework may cause difficulty if left solely in either perspective. Someone that continues in declaring limitation or weakness may not see the ability for resolution or life improvement. This person may think to be holy is to not do certain things in which harm, shame, or paralyzing fear is at the forefront in thinking. Someone that sees the good within, or in relating with being made in the image of God may get disoriented in external images, doubt, or lack initiative in certain practical life activities.
For consideration: Embodying this wholeness is signified by becoming aware of being whole and to take up realization and to put down striving.
In the Book of Exodus 3:4-5, “God called to him out of the bush, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ Then he said, ‘Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.’” This holiness, or wholeness can be found in knowing the I AM, striving has ended and awareness and groundedness through realization is achieved.
From the Book of Genesis 2:1,3, holiness can be discerned from the verses stating, “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished….So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.” In looking within these verses, one can see that creation has taken place in thought (heavens) and manifestation (earth). Understanding can be found in not just seeing some particular day, rather seeing that time in general, or the now moment, is whole. Awareness is achieved as realization is taken up and striving is put down. This creation of life experience takes place as one can determine many circumstances through pervasive limitation or through embracing goodness.
The Magnificat shows an example of affirmation, awareness, identification with weakness and putting down striving, and identification with goodness and taking up realization.
“And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly…” (Luke 1:46-49, 52)
The affirmation takes place with recognizing and rejoicing in God. Lowliness is released and a conviction of perpetual blessedness is received. The name, or nature, of this One Mighty Presence is the state of being whole, of being holy. Through this awareness, exalted thoughts of being lowly are put down and transmuted into thoughts of blessedness which are then taken and lifted up.
The perspective of holiness in one’s life has a large impact on the thinking-feeling state and the creation of many experiences of life.
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