Surfing the Internet looking at ethical living concepts, I found the usual assortment of tree huggers and ethical economy sites. While I do not dispute the value of living a more "green" lifestyle, it can lead you down some very interesting paths. My contribution to "greening" my lifestyle was to move away from my full-size SUV to a minivan. The 25 to 30 percent increase in fuel mileage was a welcome surprise and makes me feel like I am not only saving money, but demanding less oil and hopefully shoveling less CO₂ in the atmosphere.

Like many individuals who live in today's complex world, I am attracted to simplicity. I am not quite willing to move in with the Amish and give up my lights, cars, and so on. I do think, however, that ethical living involves a totality of response. By that I mean every area of my life should be impacted by the decisions and choices I make. Hence, my interest in ethical living.

Holiness should mean more than just theological jargon. It should mean more than just memorizing a formula that we can repeat on demand.

In my opinion, the hope for propagating the holiness message will be in direct proportion to its usefulness as a means to ethical living in a world where it appears so many in the world have lost their way. The maze of consumerism entraps many. The tentacles of violence in our world and our communities, reach out and ensnare too many. The drift that accompanies a society that is increasingly convinced that there are no absolutes, leaves a void—an emptiness that can obscure any significant purpose to life.

David J. Felter, editor in chief

Holiness Today, January/February 2007

Please note: This article was originally published in 2007. All facts, figures, and titles were accurate to the best of our knowledge at that time but may have since changed.