Loving in Many Directions: Faithful Polyamory, Indigenous Epistemology, and Revitalizing Christian Discipleship

Christian discipleship, when rooted in polyamorous principles and Indigenous epistemology, offers a radical recovery of biblical reciprocity and expansive covenant. By reimagining relationships as archetypal webs of kinship rather than exclusive dyads, this paper argues that the church better reflects the Social Trinity and the interdependent diversity of the Body of Christ. Prioritizing “covenantal pluralism” resists colonial power dynamics, reframing ordained ministry not as solitary authority but as community stewardship modeled on Christ’s servanthood. Here, the polyamorous virtues of honesty, consent, and shared accountability resonate with the Gospel’s call to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2), deepening the practice of koinonia . Ultimately, this approach challenges the church to dismantle institutional control in favor of theological abundance, ushering in a Christianity that thrives through multiplicity, justice, and a radical love rooted in extravagant grace.

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Publication Details

Journal
Anglican Theological Review
Published
2026-10-08
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/00033286261493052
Primary Topic
Christian Theology and Mission
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Loving in Many Directions: Faithful Polyamory, Indigenous Epistemology, and Revitalizing Christian Discipleship

Jerry Monroe Maynard
Anglican Theological Review
Christian Theology and Mission
article

Loving in Many Directions: Faithful Polyamory, Indigenous Epistemology, and Revitalizing Christian Discipleship

Jerry Monroe Maynard
article en

Abstract

Christian discipleship, when rooted in polyamorous principles and Indigenous epistemology, offers a radical recovery of biblical reciprocity and expansive covenant. By reimagining relationships as archetypal webs of kinship rather than exclusive dyads, this paper argues that the church better reflects the Social Trinity and the interdependent diversity of the Body of Christ. Prioritizing “covenantal pluralism” resists colonial power dynamics, reframing ordained ministry not as solitary authority but as community stewardship modeled on Christ’s servanthood. Here, the polyamorous virtues of honesty, consent, and shared accountability resonate with the Gospel’s call to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2), deepening the practice of koinonia . Ultimately, this approach challenges the church to dismantle institutional control in favor of theological abundance, ushering in a Christianity that thrives through multiplicity, justice, and a radical love rooted in extravagant grace.

Anglican Theological Review
Openalex Percentile: Top 1%
Christian Theology and Mission
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