Holiness and the Human Element

In Holiness and the Human Element, H.A. Baldwin attempts to explain the doctrine of holiness within its real world context. He does not present a detailed theological or exegetical explanation of the doctrine of holiness. Instead, he presents different common assumptions people hold about holiness and discusses the level of validity these claims hold in relation to most peoples experiences. These assumptions seem to be things that were commonly preached and discussed at the time of Baldwins writing in 1919. While they may not be explicitly preached today, they are underlying beliefs that many people still hold about holiness today. He opposes views that insist holiness people are usually happy, successful, ecstatic and free from negative feelings, frustration, and fear. Instead, Baldwin articulates how holy people respond to negative circumstances they face. Throughout the book, there is also an underlying premise that, even after an experience of holiness, people still keep their individuality and natural dispositions; therefore it is not proper to make sweeping generalizations about right actions for a holiness person. The book tries to embrace the realities of life while encouraging its readers to pray for continual deliverance from sin and to continue to grow in goodness until they enter the kingdom of God.