From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Divine grace is a theological term which is present in many and varied spiritual traditions. However, there are significant differences between the way people of different traditions use the word.

Christian conceptions of grace

Within Christianity, there are differing conceptions of grace. In particular, Catholics and Protestants use the word in substantially different ways. It has been termed "the watershed that divides Roman Catholicism from Protestantism, Calvinism from Arminianism, modern liberalism from conservatism." Roman Catholic doctrine teaches that its sacraments and priests facilitate the acceptance of grace from God. Protestants generally do not hold that view.

Non-Christian conceptions of grace

Hindu conceptions of grace

The Hindu philosopher Madhvacharya held that grace was not a gift from God, but rather must be earned.^[1]

Non-theist conceptions of grace

From a nontheist, naturalist, and rationalist perspective, the concept of divine grace appears to be same nonexistent concept as luck.^[2]

References