In a Relationary webinar last Tuesday (21 April), Andy Parnham “smashed it out of the park” as one enthusiastic contributor commented. Andy’s task was to articulate our particular stream of relational theology by stepping back and tracing the big story of the Bible. He repeatedly stressed that he was not offering “the final word” on the subject but he did hope his reflections would be helpful after “being a Christian for a hundred years”.
What emerged was not a set of propositions, but a scriptural drama: the story of God bringing humanity home (and, remarkably, it was told in about 40 minutes).
Homecoming
The Bible on Andy’s reading does not begin with law or guilt but with relationship. It starts with Eden as humanity’s home and a place of shared life and flourishing. Here sin is not primarily about rule-breaking but about exile: in Adam and Eve humanity stepped outside its home, became vulnerable, dislocated, and unable to live within the presence of God. Thereafter, the story became about returning home.
Covenant, Exile and Return
Covenant, according to Andy, was a story of “relationship with handrails”. Israel’s story replayed the pattern: it suffered exile, enjoyed restoration and was brought out in order to be brought back in.
Restoring Relational Space
Moreover, in Andy’s view biblical sacrifice is not appeasing divine anger but maintaining and restoring relational space. And in Jesus God does not simply point the way home; he comes to get us, entering exile itself.
Home Regained
The cross, then, argues Andy, is not God punishing Jesus but God in Christ absorbing and overcoming exile from within. The resurrection is the confirmation that the journey has been reversed. Humanity has come through death and returned. Salvation is not merely forgiveness but participation in restored relationship. God never stops asking, “Where are you?” and never waits for us to find our way back alone – he comes out to meet us, lifts the burden we cannot carry, and brings us home.
Distinctives
The vision Andy set out is not one shaped by a strict “Jesus was punished instead of us” view but nor does it assume that everyone is ultimately included in the end either. It gives relational theology narrative depth, covenantal texture, and a clear centre in Jesus.