Writer Showcase: Amy Mantravadi's Best Work
A new interview series, volume 3.
What do you write about?
On Substack, I cover theology, history, and cultural issues. I especially like to combine those things, drawing on historical examples or Christian theological principles to illuminate present day conundrums. Outside of Substack, I contribute theological articles to various publications and have four historical fiction novels published with a fifth releasing in November.
Why did you choose this theme/topic(s)?
Much of my writing for Christian publications is focused on those who already embrace the faith, and it also tends to stay in a particular confessional/denominational lane. On Substack, I am less restricted. It is a good place to workshop ideas for that reason, and to go a bit off the beaten path. I want Sub-Creations to be accessible to all kinds of people.
How long have you been writing on Substack?
I started in 2023. The name Sub-Creations comes from J.R.R. Tolkien’s belief that human beings are “sub-creators” working underneath the ultimate Creator God. We cannot bring things into being out of nothing like God can, but we are still creative in all we do.
What other bylines have you had in the past?
1517, Modern Reformation, Mockingbird, Mere Orthodoxy, Reformation21, Credo, For the Church
Please share a few links to your favorite pieces of work, and tell us a little about each one.
“Should We Fear the Fertility Collapse?”
This is a recent consideration of what seems to be a pressing social issue. You can see me drawing upon history and theology, as I often like to do. Also typical for me, I end with hope.
Here I engage with a scene in the film A Hidden Life and consider how it applies to life in 2025. I suggest that many Christians (myself included) like to create a Christ in our own image who will never ask us to do anything uncomfortable.
“A Protestant Walks into a Relic Veneration”
A rare article for which I did some field reporting! I describe my visit to a church in Columbus, Ohio to view the touring relic of St. Thomas Aquinas. You can read my thoughts on being a Protestant in a Roman Catholic space, and the significance of sacred objects in 21st century life.
I introduce readers to one of my favorite medieval figures, Julian of Norwich, who had a vision in which Christ told her, “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.” I consider how this comforting quote helps me to brave daily life in chaotic times.
This is a much longer article than my usual offerings, but I believe it is one of the best things I have ever written. I talk about my visit to the Cathedral of St. John Divine in New York City, where I viewed an image of a female Christ nailed to a cross. I consider the controversy surrounding this artwork known as Christa, the theological significance of Christ’s death (and his gender), and why I have difficulties with both liberal Christianity and conservative Christianity.
Who is one other Substack writer you admire?
. Many of his articles are only available to paid subscribers, but he has some free ones as well. Here is a recent example of his work that many people appreciated: “The Mental Health Struggles of Ministers”.I appreciated getting to take a virtual stroll through Amy’s work as we put this interview together! One of my own favorites of hers is What’s Wrong With Cancel Culture?, a characteristically nuanced look at distancing ourselves from wrongdoing (good!) and the grim glee of schadenfreude (not so good). Thanks for being here today, Amy!
Beautiful! The lovely All Will Be Well quote reminds me of another quote from the movie The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: "Everything will be all right in the end. If it is not all right, it is not the end."