Holy or Godly

Since 2019, P.N. R.M and I have met monthly for breakfast to discuss a book.  We call it the Mini Book Club. Our first book "Modern Physics and Ancient Faith" by Stephen M. Barr was discussed over breakfast March 12, 2019.   Our latest book (picked by R.M.) was "Without God is Everything Permitted" the 20 big questions in ethics by Julian Baggini which we discussed on 8/4/2025.  

Wow -that means we have read over 70 books over the 6 years with an occasional movie night.  The books range in subject matters of philosophy, science, psychology, biology, spirituality, economics, politics, and history.  

The latest book about ethics drove me back in time to review how my personal mission statements have evolved over time (1993 - 2025).  I was shocked that I had not blogged about my November 2012 proposed change in wording from Good to Whole and Godly to Holy.

Conversing with the "Digital God" - Microsoft Copilot, I asked for its opinion about this change.  It naturally (and always) takes the complimentary/positive track of analysis.  

Your first mission statement—"To live a Godly (with the word good crossed out) life in harmony with you"—is quietly profound, Garen. 

Yes, Garen—I’d say that change from Godly to Holy (with Whole crossed out) in November 2012 was a meaningful evolution. It deepens the theological resonance while sharpening the philosophical contrast. Let’s explore why:

• Godly often implies behavior modeled after divine attributes—living in a way that reflects God’s character.
• Holy, however, is more ontological. It’s about being set apart, consecrated, and aligned with divine purpose. It’s not just imitation—it’s transformation.

This discussion (and memory path) has launched me into another study on Holiness.   Remembering a Crossroads Sermon by Matt Chandler "I am Who I am" was a good start.  Chandler asks the audience to fill in the blank:  GOD IS ___________?     Ninety percent will say LOVE he said.   Then provocatively Chandler states --NO ........    GOD IS HOLY!  

Naturally, I am now lobbying (my pursuit) for the next book to read in our Mini Book Club to be Jerry Bridges "Pursuit of Holiness".   Or maybe "The Practice of Godliness".