Welcome to HolinessAndUnity.org

I’m so glad you took a few minutes to get acquainted with what is becoming a rising interest and influence in the Church globally. People from all traditions and places are following their interest in pursuing a deeper understanding of God’s work of holiness. This transforming work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers affects the health of churches, the nature of relationships, and the impact Christians have in our culture spiritually and socially. The work of Holiness is both a personal and a corporate journey. It is our prayer that God will use this web site and the events associated with it to bring increased unity in the Church worldwide through a relevant understanding of holiness for the 21st Century.

Contained here, you will find articles, editorials, ideas and events that will encourage your pursuit of living a holy life in the presence of a holy God. Scholars, pastors, and other church leaders bring their experience and understanding of this deep and transforming work of God in the world. Take full advantage of these resources and engage in your own process of seeing the impact of holiness on the life of the Church and find a renewed passion for unity centered in this transforming call.

May God walk with you on the journey!

Kevin W. Mannoia

Holiness

"Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; for it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy'"

1 Peter 15-16 (NRSV)

Front Page Reflections…

February

The idea that somehow humility is our ticket to holiness is a path with a trap. When Jesus contrasted the escalating arrogance of the Pharisee to the humility of the tax collector (Luke 18), it was the prayer of the tax collector that made the difference. “Oh God, have mercy on me…” (read the complete article)

Reflections Archive…

2007

January

New Year, new beginnings, new resolutions, new salary levels, new semester – everything seems to have a “new” feeling.... Of course the difficulty that we all experience is that what we declare to be new on New Year’s Day often becomes old and tired within a week.... (read the complete article)

December

We have been made in the image of God with curiosity deeply embedded within – to explore creation, the unknown, and even God’s own mysteries.... (read the complete article)

September

Imagine that at creation God made a mirror and looked into it and saw God’s own image. In effect, that was the creation of people. God could see a clear representation of Himself, and God was pleased. (read the complete article)

July

Holiness was really never intended to be a doctrine. Of course how do we really know what God intended when He left clues and signals about this great theme in Scripture and in the world?  (read the complete article)

June - Last week I returned from ministry activities in Kazakhstan. In [places like this], the reality of hard questions presses in on us. Mostly we begin to question the essential nature of the gospel we preach.  (read the complete article)

 March - The beauty of Holiness is not in its ability to compete, but to transform.... (read the complete article)

 February - An important part of that journey of salvation is learning to be a reflection... (read the complete article)

2006

 October - There seem to be two extremes in pursuing the holiness without which no one will see God.  (read the complete article)

 September - The institutional lines of denominations are still there, but they are submerged...  (read the complete article)

 August - How in the world can holiness relate to social engagement?  (read the complete article)

 July - Have you ever wondered what would happen if someone saw you when you thought no one was looking?  (read the complete article)

 June - Imagine looking in the mirror and finding that the reflection looking back at you is warped, deformed, discolored, and largely foreign.... (read the complete article)

 May - Today I was thinking about the subtle but inexorable tendency of our culture to create compartments that are separated one from the other.... (read the complete article)

 April - When you think of holiness, you doubtless are taken back to some experience in which rules of behavior impose themselves on you or your thinking.... (read the complete article)