The interplay of divine grace with forgiveness and humility in mainline Protestant Christianity: A consensual qualitative approach

• Published in: Spirituality in clinical practice (Washington, D.C.) D.C.), 2024-08
• Main Authors: Hodge, Adam S., Norton, Jolene M., Karwoski, Logan T., Yoon, Julian, Hook, Joshua N., Kansiewicz, Kristen, Zhang, Hansong, Captari, Laura E., Davis, Don E., Van Tongeren, Daryl R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Christianity; Female; Forgiveness; Human; Humility; Male; Protestants; Spiritual Well Being
• ISSN: 2326-4500; 2326-4519
• DOI: 10.1037/scp0000378

Initial quantitative research has found that divine grace correlates with both forgiveness and humility, but little conceptual work has sought to elaborate on why these associations might exist. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to provide rich, context-based, qualitative data to explore how Mainline Protestant Christians experience the interplay between divine grace with forgiveness and humility. Interviews were conducted with 28 community adults who were affiliated with Mainline Protestant churches. Results indicated that divine grace is instrumental in Mainline Protestant Christians’ experiences of (a) self-forgiveness, (b) other forgiveness, (c) acknowledgment of personal weaknesses and limitations, and (d) connecting with others who are different. Specifically, divine grace was often reported as a catalyst in helping participants to (a) forgive themselves or other people, (b) view weaknesses and limitations more open-handedly, and (c) want to connect with others who are different. Limitations and future directions for research are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: journal abstract)