Participating in Divine Justice, Mercy, and Truth : Theosis, Holiness, and Political Engagement

Abstract

The article argues that socio-political engagement is deeply rooted in John Wesley’s interpretation of personal salvation in which holiness is understood to be the participation in the divine moral character of justice, mercy, and truth brought about through communion with the triune God. It argues that socio-political engagement, as the outward expression of the justice, mercy, and truth that are constitutive dimensions of the moral image of God, is a participation divine moral character and thus a dimension of theosis. However, aspects of Wesley’s theology work to obscure the deep integration of political engagement in personal salvation so that there is a need to go with Wesley beyond Wesley.