Category Archives: George MacDonald

The Hell of Self and the Redemption of the Outer Darkness

Posted on 22 March 2023 by Fr Aidan Kimel

In his unspoken sermon “Justice,” George MacDonald takes up the task of redefining our inherited notions of requital and punishment. The principle of retribution, he asserts, is an unfit vehicle for the proclamation of the gospel. In Jesus Christ righteousness and … Continue reading →

Posted in Eschatology, George MacDonald | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The True Grit of God’s Justice

Posted on 20 March 2023 by Fr Aidan Kimel

Is God bound to mete out punishment? Does his justice require him to inflict suffering and privation? Do our sins deserve retribution? Torah is clear. Justice demands that our crimes deserve proportional punishment: “life for life, eye for eye, tooth … Continue reading →

Posted in Eschatology, George MacDonald | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Father, Justice, and the Hermeneutic of Love

Posted on 18 March 2023 by Fr Aidan Kimel

When we confess that God is just, what is it that we mean? Perhaps we mean that God rewards good acts and punishes evil acts in the exact propor­tion they deserve. Let us call this the view of the man … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, George MacDonald, Isaac the Syrian | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

“I am shut up in a world of consciousness, an unknown I in an unknown world: surely this world of my unwilled, unchosen, compelled existence, cannot be shut out from Him”

Posted on 15 March 2023 by Fr Aidan Kimel

If there be a God, and I am his creature, there may be, there should be, there must be some communication open between him and me. If any one allow a God, but one scarce good enough to care about … Continue reading →

Posted in George MacDonald | 1 Comment

Praying for the Consuming Fire of Love

Posted on 13 March 2023 by Fr Aidan Kimel

It is a fantastical fantasy, I know. Even so, I fantasize: If every Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant pastor were to read the Unspoken Sermons of George MacDonald, the Church of Jesus Christ would experience an extraordinary revival in the Holy Spirit. … Continue reading →

Posted in George MacDonald, Justification & Theosis, Preaching | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

“I can not reason in defense of God”

Posted on 29 December 2022 by Fr Aidan Kimel

Alexa had a strong shaggy pony, which she rode the oftener that George came so often; taking care to be well gone before he arrived on his beautiful horse. One lovely summer evening she had been across the moor a … Continue reading →

Posted in George MacDonald | 1 Comment

The Inescapable Love of God: Saving Sinners From Themselves

Posted on 19 December 2022 by Fr Aidan Kimel

But what if the Talbottian argument1 that eternal damnation is incoherent fails or at least fails to convince? What if we still find the free-will defense of hell (somewhat) persuasive? After all, how can so many smart philosophers be wrong?2 … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Eschatology, George MacDonald, Thomas Talbott | 11 Comments

“A man is nearer heaven when in deepest hell than just ere he begins to reap the reward of his doings”

Posted on 3 December 2022 by Fr Aidan Kimel

I think I have seen from afar something of the final prison of all, the innermost cell of the debtor of the universe; I will endeavour to convey what I think it may be. It is the vast outside; the … Continue reading →

Posted in George MacDonald | 2 Comments