Tag Archives: divine mercy

The Father, Justice, and the Hermeneutic of Love

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

St Isaac the Syrian and the Punitive God of the Scriptures

“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 George MacDonald, Isaac the Syrian | Tagged , , , , , , , | 29 Comments

The Father, Justice, and the Hermeneutic of Love

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, George MacDonald | Tagged , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

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

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

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

“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

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

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