First off, can I just say that the caliber of writing here on Substack is so much better than I expected? I'm a newbie here, so forgive my delighted surprise. Footnoted, peer-reviewed, thoughtful analysis that satisfies my desire for academic writing as well as, dare I say, inspirational and faith-filled? I couldn't be happier to be here.
Second, I agree that a genuine experience of grace generates a response, but I'm not sure that the connotations of "strings attached" captures that dynamic. For example, the ten lepers all experienced the same degree of grace. It poured unstintingly over their desire for wholeness, but only one returned with gratitude and availed himself of a much fuller degree of grace. The grace was available to all, and only one grabbed hold of it. This doesn't feel like strings attached so much as going further up and further in. I need to read this article again because I am working on a poem about why the kingdom was ripped from Saul and given to David (who appears to have an equal degree of faithlessness from our human perspective). It's always the heart God is after, which is why it's hard to quantify grace by a human metric.
Third, the emphasis of gratitude as a pathway to joy is articulated beautifully. This is life changing. I write about this a lot in my poetry because people are so desperate for happiness, but it eludes them until they fix their gaze on gratitude, "like stars that can only be seen in the periphery." Thank you for this thought-provoking piece! And for writing it so winsomely.
Haha thank you for saying this! I too was stunned by the quality of substack posts at first too.
Second, I think that’s totally fair! “Strings attached” is just the moniker scholars use when discussing this concept, but if you don’t think it properly captures the dynamic, then it’s not a phrase you’re required to use in the slightest! I just found it especially helpful for bringing this conversation into the evangelical space.
And third, that sounds awesome! Please share it when it’s done! I’d love to check it out!
Yes, I can see how you didn't coin the phrase, but you subsumed it into your own rhetoric of patronage. I'm still thinking it through and need to have a reread before I say more. I'm not really pushing back on your claims so much as holding you accountable for the terminology which seems insufficient for the terms of the relationship. The fact that I'm still pondering this a day later means that you wrote a thoughtful article worth all of our time. So, thank you!
I’m afraid we may be getting our wires crossed a tad! “String attached” is itself a metaphor, not to be taken literally (neither by me nor the scholars who employ the term). I tried to use adjacent terminology throughout the article (circular motions, reciprocity, expectations, response, intention, etcetera). Perhaps I should’ve been more explicit about this, but I tried to cover this notion in the line “Call it strings or expectations or God meticulously controlling our actions via predestination.” The main point was not to take a metaphor literally, but to, like you said, point out the way that a genuine understanding of grace should elicit a response.
Ah, I can see I have been unclear if it sounds like I didn't grasp the figurative nature of the language. Truly enjoyed this read, and I think if more Protestants grappled with this one, they wouldn't be so confused about what the heck the book of James is doing in the Bible. Thanks for the discussion.
Wow - what an incisvie deep-dive Griffin! "Grace that’s free from expectations didn’t enter the Western imagination until after the Reformation." - this is most certainly a hot-button topic for most evangelicas, and you lay out perfectly how grace is indeed a two-way relationship (not of expectation but invitation). I remember when I frist became a Christian twenty years ago, I was so profoundly grateful for God's forgiveness I just wanted to pour it forth. His grace had cracked my heart open, and I wanted to show it turn to everyone around me. Given today's piece, I suspect you might find resonance in the Orthodox perspective as well.
Also, love the humour you insert! I would love to see an article like this published by a Christian journal, pictures and all :)
What an absolutely beautiful story Ruth! I would love to hear more about this. Thanks so much as always for the kind and helpful feedback :)
Also! I keep trying to submit academic articles with jokes and slang but they make me edit them out. One day I will achieve reform in reconciling academic Christianity with comedy.
Ha Griffin, I think you just came up with a new Journal subtitle : Reconciling Academic Christianty with Comedy - you are on to something here :) I think this style makes theological topics so much more approachable, especially for young people, and I hope that your students get the benefit of your comedic touch.
Also, I've made a habit of sharing personal stories in person - just too much space for misunderstanding in the digital dimension. If you're ever in the southern Ontario region you're welcome to join us for a meal and conversation...
A good (long) read and really hones in on the relational aspect of everything God does. He is the Triune God after all.
I've always felt uneasy with the 'free gift of faith' preached endlessly, when the whole point is to bind us, willingly, to God. He leads the way by showing His devotion to us, but the hope and expectation is we will devote ourselves to Him.
Since you brought up slaves, this all reminds me of the concept of the 'love slave' described in Exodus 21. I am willingly bound to God, who gave me the gift of salvation, so I choose to remain a love-slave to Him. Maybe a topic for a part 2?
Wow I have only the vaguest idea of an exodus 21 love slave in mind. That’s so fascinating though. I’d love to look more into it and possibly write on it when I’m in the headspace to tackle another controversial topic lol. Thanks for the feedback :)
Another insightful post, Griffin. I often think that contemporary Christian aversion to "works" comes back to the Reformation. The Catholic Church had become extremely reliant on works-based faith, so as a result, Luther and pals hammered hard on grace (Sola Gratia). They are correct, of course, but the church culture implications surrounding that made it so getting too into "performing good works" was seen as something to be wary of rather than celebrated.
This was such a thought-provoking exploration. Particularly your statement that we do not receive grace by good works but for good works. I am curious, given the two points you made –God gives before we’ve made any move towards Him and that His gift anticipates a response–do you regard God’s love as irresistible? I recognize that it anticipates a response, but does it demand one? Is response an inevitability when encountering this gift, and if so, is the response necessarily to engage in this partnership that you've described?
I find this concept really challenging. On the one hand, God obviously makes Himself known to people who reject Him. However, it seems that in order for someone whose nature is sinful to be able to actually accept Christ, there must be a softening of the heart. If that occurs, then it seems not that rejection couldn't occur, but that it wouldn't. The natural product of a heart that has encountered God's love after being softened by His will is to respond by entering a relationship with Him. So, I guess I do see it as irresistible, but also remain open to the potential that I may be way off.
Hello! Very thought provoking! I think that two powerful motivators are needed for an effective Christian walk: rewards, and the fear of the Lord. Gratitude is wonderful and I definitely need more of this, but when I read Jesus’ teachings I see rewards more than gratitude.
Fantastic essay. Hit subscribe as soon as I finished. Love the breadth of discussion from Ambrose to Luther, from Barth and Edwards. Headed to buy the Barclay book now. All sin is ingratitude. Thanks for doing such good work.
<<He affirms Philemon’s character while imploring him to act in accordance with this character for the sake of a greater good. It’s like saying, “This is who you are, and we need you for the sake of our shared mission.” >>
Kind of like how many of Paul's epistles follow the indicative/imperative pattern.
Here is what God has done for you in Christ, so now you should respond by living this way.
Walk worthy of the calling you have received. (You have been called by the name of Christ, so live in a way that honors the name you bear.)
When I read the subject in my inbox, I I knew it had to be Barclay. And then you also quoted deSilva. I’ve been a fan of their work on charis for years.
hmm.. pro sola una vestis, then contra sola gratia. if you were open to wearing more outfits (we are festive) you would be welcome in the catholic church.
like fearing beestings in winter. but seriously this thought here was what converted scotf hahn, but his focus was more exclusively on the significance of covenant in the OT.
when i've thought about the implications and weightiness of grace, i've thought of it merely in the terms we use when we discuss freedom: "freedom isn't free," or "freedom is paid at a high cost." i've reflected on the intensity, severity, and largeness of Christ's sacrifice. it was freely offered and given to me, but His precious blood was the cost for that spiritual liberty and right standing before the Father. my righteousness was imputed to me, while Christ took my sin. something i wasn't completely aware of before becoming Reformed, but learned quickly after, was that Christ Himself IS grace. grace is personified in Him. and that explains the weight and glory of it all.
your essay opens up such great deliberation on the cost of grace and what you referred to as the degree in which it is uniquely offered in the one true faith. grace has abounded FOR those good works, and it is such a comfort to know that those works were prepared for me beforehand, that i might walk in them, not as a means of accessing grace, but because of grace/Christ.
i love how gratitude has made its way into another one of your pieces; it is truly a vital, inherent part of the faith that ruins pride and makes way for humble and thankful hearts to walk in those good works, the glorious strings of grace.
Really enjoy your writing more so I saw what you did with your title to draw people in, only to explore the topic in a way that continues to teach the age old call for our faith, that to respond to God’s grace is to live a life that honors that grace
While I won’t say I concur with everything you have written here, I will say that this piece is immensely thought-provoking, and that itself is worthwhile. Thanks for all your effort in putting this together, Griffin 👏
At first I was wondering about the Philippian church being a patron of Paul, and then your section on "joy" got me really wondering about the flavor of Paul's letter. Lydia might have had $$ as a merchant in purple cloth. Any thoughts on this?
I am going to think more about this too. I am writing my book about how finding Lydia’s story affected me, and had seen the breadcrumbs in Acts 16 and in Philippians about how much Paul was grateful and joyful for the Philippian church standing with him. I put a few tidbits into one of my posts but will unpack it more as the chapters get posted (weekly).
First off, can I just say that the caliber of writing here on Substack is so much better than I expected? I'm a newbie here, so forgive my delighted surprise. Footnoted, peer-reviewed, thoughtful analysis that satisfies my desire for academic writing as well as, dare I say, inspirational and faith-filled? I couldn't be happier to be here.
Second, I agree that a genuine experience of grace generates a response, but I'm not sure that the connotations of "strings attached" captures that dynamic. For example, the ten lepers all experienced the same degree of grace. It poured unstintingly over their desire for wholeness, but only one returned with gratitude and availed himself of a much fuller degree of grace. The grace was available to all, and only one grabbed hold of it. This doesn't feel like strings attached so much as going further up and further in. I need to read this article again because I am working on a poem about why the kingdom was ripped from Saul and given to David (who appears to have an equal degree of faithlessness from our human perspective). It's always the heart God is after, which is why it's hard to quantify grace by a human metric.
Third, the emphasis of gratitude as a pathway to joy is articulated beautifully. This is life changing. I write about this a lot in my poetry because people are so desperate for happiness, but it eludes them until they fix their gaze on gratitude, "like stars that can only be seen in the periphery." Thank you for this thought-provoking piece! And for writing it so winsomely.
Haha thank you for saying this! I too was stunned by the quality of substack posts at first too.
Second, I think that’s totally fair! “Strings attached” is just the moniker scholars use when discussing this concept, but if you don’t think it properly captures the dynamic, then it’s not a phrase you’re required to use in the slightest! I just found it especially helpful for bringing this conversation into the evangelical space.
And third, that sounds awesome! Please share it when it’s done! I’d love to check it out!
Yes, I can see how you didn't coin the phrase, but you subsumed it into your own rhetoric of patronage. I'm still thinking it through and need to have a reread before I say more. I'm not really pushing back on your claims so much as holding you accountable for the terminology which seems insufficient for the terms of the relationship. The fact that I'm still pondering this a day later means that you wrote a thoughtful article worth all of our time. So, thank you!
I’m afraid we may be getting our wires crossed a tad! “String attached” is itself a metaphor, not to be taken literally (neither by me nor the scholars who employ the term). I tried to use adjacent terminology throughout the article (circular motions, reciprocity, expectations, response, intention, etcetera). Perhaps I should’ve been more explicit about this, but I tried to cover this notion in the line “Call it strings or expectations or God meticulously controlling our actions via predestination.” The main point was not to take a metaphor literally, but to, like you said, point out the way that a genuine understanding of grace should elicit a response.
Ah, I can see I have been unclear if it sounds like I didn't grasp the figurative nature of the language. Truly enjoyed this read, and I think if more Protestants grappled with this one, they wouldn't be so confused about what the heck the book of James is doing in the Bible. Thanks for the discussion.
Apologies if I misunderstood you! It’s always hard to know over written messaging. Thanks for reading! I appreciate your thoughts!
Not at all. You are gracious to dialogue with subscribers. This interactive element of substack is what makes it special.
Wow - what an incisvie deep-dive Griffin! "Grace that’s free from expectations didn’t enter the Western imagination until after the Reformation." - this is most certainly a hot-button topic for most evangelicas, and you lay out perfectly how grace is indeed a two-way relationship (not of expectation but invitation). I remember when I frist became a Christian twenty years ago, I was so profoundly grateful for God's forgiveness I just wanted to pour it forth. His grace had cracked my heart open, and I wanted to show it turn to everyone around me. Given today's piece, I suspect you might find resonance in the Orthodox perspective as well.
Also, love the humour you insert! I would love to see an article like this published by a Christian journal, pictures and all :)
What an absolutely beautiful story Ruth! I would love to hear more about this. Thanks so much as always for the kind and helpful feedback :)
Also! I keep trying to submit academic articles with jokes and slang but they make me edit them out. One day I will achieve reform in reconciling academic Christianity with comedy.
Ha Griffin, I think you just came up with a new Journal subtitle : Reconciling Academic Christianty with Comedy - you are on to something here :) I think this style makes theological topics so much more approachable, especially for young people, and I hope that your students get the benefit of your comedic touch.
Also, I've made a habit of sharing personal stories in person - just too much space for misunderstanding in the digital dimension. If you're ever in the southern Ontario region you're welcome to join us for a meal and conversation...
Absolutely!! That would be incredible.
Gosh that would be the dream
A good (long) read and really hones in on the relational aspect of everything God does. He is the Triune God after all.
I've always felt uneasy with the 'free gift of faith' preached endlessly, when the whole point is to bind us, willingly, to God. He leads the way by showing His devotion to us, but the hope and expectation is we will devote ourselves to Him.
Since you brought up slaves, this all reminds me of the concept of the 'love slave' described in Exodus 21. I am willingly bound to God, who gave me the gift of salvation, so I choose to remain a love-slave to Him. Maybe a topic for a part 2?
Wow I have only the vaguest idea of an exodus 21 love slave in mind. That’s so fascinating though. I’d love to look more into it and possibly write on it when I’m in the headspace to tackle another controversial topic lol. Thanks for the feedback :)
I'm sure you'll do a great job with it if you ever do! If I was theologically minded I'd tackle it myself, but it's not really my biscuit.
Always a big fan of your work Griffin.
Another insightful post, Griffin. I often think that contemporary Christian aversion to "works" comes back to the Reformation. The Catholic Church had become extremely reliant on works-based faith, so as a result, Luther and pals hammered hard on grace (Sola Gratia). They are correct, of course, but the church culture implications surrounding that made it so getting too into "performing good works" was seen as something to be wary of rather than celebrated.
Thx Zach !!!
This was such a thought-provoking exploration. Particularly your statement that we do not receive grace by good works but for good works. I am curious, given the two points you made –God gives before we’ve made any move towards Him and that His gift anticipates a response–do you regard God’s love as irresistible? I recognize that it anticipates a response, but does it demand one? Is response an inevitability when encountering this gift, and if so, is the response necessarily to engage in this partnership that you've described?
Dude that’s an amazing question that I really don’t know if I have the answer for 😅 I’d love to think on it some more though! Do you have any ideas?
I find this concept really challenging. On the one hand, God obviously makes Himself known to people who reject Him. However, it seems that in order for someone whose nature is sinful to be able to actually accept Christ, there must be a softening of the heart. If that occurs, then it seems not that rejection couldn't occur, but that it wouldn't. The natural product of a heart that has encountered God's love after being softened by His will is to respond by entering a relationship with Him. So, I guess I do see it as irresistible, but also remain open to the potential that I may be way off.
Hello! Very thought provoking! I think that two powerful motivators are needed for an effective Christian walk: rewards, and the fear of the Lord. Gratitude is wonderful and I definitely need more of this, but when I read Jesus’ teachings I see rewards more than gratitude.
Ooooo yes you're right. That's crucial. I may have overlooked that motivation a bit in favor of making my argument. Thanks for the feedback!
Fantastic essay. Hit subscribe as soon as I finished. Love the breadth of discussion from Ambrose to Luther, from Barth and Edwards. Headed to buy the Barclay book now. All sin is ingratitude. Thanks for doing such good work.
Thanks so much Jeremy!!!
<<He affirms Philemon’s character while imploring him to act in accordance with this character for the sake of a greater good. It’s like saying, “This is who you are, and we need you for the sake of our shared mission.” >>
Kind of like how many of Paul's epistles follow the indicative/imperative pattern.
Here is what God has done for you in Christ, so now you should respond by living this way.
Walk worthy of the calling you have received. (You have been called by the name of Christ, so live in a way that honors the name you bear.)
Dude that’s a great point! I didn’t think about it like that but totally makes sense. Thanks for reading!
When I read the subject in my inbox, I I knew it had to be Barclay. And then you also quoted deSilva. I’ve been a fan of their work on charis for years.
hmm.. pro sola una vestis, then contra sola gratia. if you were open to wearing more outfits (we are festive) you would be welcome in the catholic church.
Haha idk man I fear excommunication from the Protestants
like fearing beestings in winter. but seriously this thought here was what converted scotf hahn, but his focus was more exclusively on the significance of covenant in the OT.
when i've thought about the implications and weightiness of grace, i've thought of it merely in the terms we use when we discuss freedom: "freedom isn't free," or "freedom is paid at a high cost." i've reflected on the intensity, severity, and largeness of Christ's sacrifice. it was freely offered and given to me, but His precious blood was the cost for that spiritual liberty and right standing before the Father. my righteousness was imputed to me, while Christ took my sin. something i wasn't completely aware of before becoming Reformed, but learned quickly after, was that Christ Himself IS grace. grace is personified in Him. and that explains the weight and glory of it all.
your essay opens up such great deliberation on the cost of grace and what you referred to as the degree in which it is uniquely offered in the one true faith. grace has abounded FOR those good works, and it is such a comfort to know that those works were prepared for me beforehand, that i might walk in them, not as a means of accessing grace, but because of grace/Christ.
i love how gratitude has made its way into another one of your pieces; it is truly a vital, inherent part of the faith that ruins pride and makes way for humble and thankful hearts to walk in those good works, the glorious strings of grace.
finally, i loved your captions, great stuff :')
Love that story! Thanks so much for sharing it. Really appreciate your feedback Macey and hope all is well with you :)
Really enjoy your writing more so I saw what you did with your title to draw people in, only to explore the topic in a way that continues to teach the age old call for our faith, that to respond to God’s grace is to live a life that honors that grace
While I won’t say I concur with everything you have written here, I will say that this piece is immensely thought-provoking, and that itself is worthwhile. Thanks for all your effort in putting this together, Griffin 👏
Thanks so much Bradley!!
This is my favourite Reality Theology essay thus far!!
Awh thanks so much Allana!!!
At first I was wondering about the Philippian church being a patron of Paul, and then your section on "joy" got me really wondering about the flavor of Paul's letter. Lydia might have had $$ as a merchant in purple cloth. Any thoughts on this?
Hmm that’s a great question! I’ll have to think more on that unfortunately…what do you think?
https://open.substack.com/pub/thelydiaeffect/p/meet-the-mentors?r=21ap39&utm_medium=ios
I am going to think more about this too. I am writing my book about how finding Lydia’s story affected me, and had seen the breadcrumbs in Acts 16 and in Philippians about how much Paul was grateful and joyful for the Philippian church standing with him. I put a few tidbits into one of my posts but will unpack it more as the chapters get posted (weekly).
I have been chewing on this for several days and am loving the imagery. Receiving grace sans strings seems undesirable and seemingly ineffective.
In receiving grace w/ strings daily, and surrendering to Himand trusting(a form of gratitude), we are bound to Him more and more.
And maybe they start as strings, but over time those strings become ropes, and then those ropes chains. Praise God for this grace
“O to grace how great a debtor
daily I’m constrained to be!
Let that grace now, like a fetter,
bind my wandering heart to thee.”
Thanks for bringing this important concept out to an easy to digest level, Griffin!
Thanks Austin!