Diversity, Disagreement and Debate: A theology of impure holiness in the early church and modern Methodism

Abstract This article explores the concepts of holiness and purity, suggesting that the latter can be understood as culturally shaped ways of living out the former, which in turn is an expression of a relationship with God. It considers debates around purity of belief and practice among first century Christian communities, holding these as a paradigm for the Methodist Church in Britain and elsewhere today; it argues that holiness, rather than one particular means of maintaining purity, should be the guiding principle, creating an atmosphere in which healthy diversity – and accompanying disagreement – can enrich community life for all.