Relational Grace: The Reciprocal and Binding Covenant of Charis Xapis

By Brent J. Schmidt

In ancient Greece and Rome, Charis was a system in which one person gave something of value to another, and the receiver gave service, thanks, and lesser value back to the giver. It was the word used to describe familial gifts, gifts between friends, gifts between kings and servants, and gifts to and from the gods. In Rome, these reciprocal transactions became the patron-client system. Orderly gift exchange is a key building block in the development of societies. Charis (grace) is the word New Testament authors, especially Paul, sometimes used to explain Christ's gift to people. But what is the nature of the gift? Since the fifth century, a number of Christian scholars have taught that grace is something bestowed by God freely, with little or nothing required in return. This book sets out to show that "free grace" is not what Paul and others intended. The practice in the ancient world of people granting and receiving favors and gifts came with clear obligations. Charis served New Testa

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1942161123
• ISBN13: 9781942161127
• Release Date: November 2015
• Publisher: Byu Studies
• Length: 222 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"