Abstract

JERE, Qeko. Perichoretic interaction within the Trinity as a paradigm for fostering unity in the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) in Malawi. STJ [online]. 2018, vol.4, n.2, pp.553-578. ISSN 2413-9467.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17570/stj.2018.v4n2.a25.

The revival of the patristic doctrine of perichorësis in relation to the Trinitarian framework has received overwhelming support in modern theological discourse. From Anagorous to John of Damascus, and from reformation to the 21^st century theological scholarship, the doctrine of perichorësis has been viewed by many as a palatable approach and a suitable paradigm in addressing various challenges affecting the church and society globally, because it is out of this patristic doctrine that the entire doctrine of the Trinity is sustained. If it was not for perichorësis neither nature, personal, or salvific doctrine of Trinity would have no value. If not for perichorësis, Arianism, encompassing all aspects of modalism with various assorted gods within Christianity, would be a global phenomenon. This article presents perichorësis as the paradigm in advancing a national unity agenda within the Church and State in conjunction with a case study of the Public Affairs Committee in Malawi, which is a representation of the voice of the faith community in addressing the national unity agenda and other governance issues. The main argument in the paper is that adoption and emulation of the immanent Trinitarian perichoretic life experienced within the Trinitarian community of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit is the best way forward in bringing meaningful unity in society today. This is because perichorësis, which flows within the Trinitarian framework, is the model and an example of what humans and society must emulate to enhance unity and togetherness.

Keywords : Perichorësis; Trinity; national unity; public affairs committee; regionalism; church.

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