Tag Archives: divine mercy

St Isaac the Syrian and the Punitive God of the Scriptures

Posted on 9 August 2021 by Fr Aidan Kimel

“Do not call God just,” St Isaac the Syrian scandalously declares, “for His justice is not manifest in the things concerning you.” But surely God punishes the wicked, we quickly retort. Surely there is divine reprisal, an infliction of deserved … Continue reading →

Posted in Isaac the Syrian | Tagged , , , , , , , | 29 Comments

The Father, Justice, and the Hermeneutic of Love

Posted on 3 April 2019 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, either in this life or the next, in the exact propor­tion they deserve. Let us … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Inklings & Company | Tagged , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

How to Subvert Divine Justice and Turn Everybody’s Lives Upside Down

Posted on 1 April 2019 by Fr Aidan Kimel

Deep in the Christian heart lies the conviction that the God whom they worship is holy, just, and righteous. He rewards the good and punishes the wicked. “Surely,” someone might remark, “this is the most plausible way to read the … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Isaac the Syrian | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Kasper and Moloney on the Divine Attributes

Posted on 25 March 2015 by Fr Aidan Kimel

Fr Daniel Moloney recently reviewed Walter Cardinal Kasper’s book Mercy: The Essence of the Gospel and the Key to Christian Life for the March issue of First Things. I have not read this book, and I have to admit that Kasper is not … Continue reading →

Posted in Theology | Tagged , , , , , , | 9 Comments

St Athanasius: The Death of Death in the Death of God

Posted on 15 April 2013 by Fr Aidan Kimel

“For the Word, realizing that in no other way would the corruption of human beings be undone except, simply, by dying …” (Inc. 9). St Athanasius the Great knows this to be true, not through philosophical reflection or even biblical … Continue reading →

Posted in Athanasius | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 55 Comments

Finding the God who is Love

Posted on 24 March 2013 by Fr Aidan Kimel

The love of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for human beings is unconditional. This fundamental truth of the gospel bears repeating. It bears repeating because we Christians, clergy and laity, seem to forget it so easily. Yes, we know … Continue reading →

Posted in Grace, Justification & Theosis, Herbert McCabe & Friends | Tagged , , , , , , , | 112 Comments

Good news and bad news: All are saved … Satan too

Posted on 22 March 2013 by Fr Aidan Kimel

This article has been revised, expanded, and republished: “The Demonic Void and the Apokatastasis of Satan.” Elder Paisios once fasted and prayed for two weeks for the eternal salvation of the devil. While praying he saw a dog’s head sticking … Continue reading →

Posted in Eschatology, Isaac the Syrian | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

St Isaac the Syrian: The Triumph of the Kingdom over Gehenna

Posted on 21 March 2013 by Fr Aidan Kimel

This article has been revised, expanded, and republished: “The Triumph of the Kingdom Over Gehenna.” “Those who are punished in Gehenna are scourged by the scourge of love”—these words of St Isaac the Syrian have profoundly influenced the Orthodox understanding … Continue reading →

Posted in Eschatology, Isaac the Syrian | Tagged , , , , , , , | 110 Comments