Customer Reviews

Unspoken Sermons: Series I, II, III (Greek: Epea Aptera)

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If you are familiar with C.S.Lewis, you've probably heard of George MacDonald since Lewis quotes him often. MacDonald's "Sermons" have had a greater impact on my life and beliefs than any other author. His beliefs have just the right ratio of love, mercy and justice. In fact, he explains why God's mercy and justice are one and the same thing. While reading this book I am continually awed by the beauty of his writing. Many people I've talked with that have read this book were discouraged because they had a difficult time following him through some of his arguments. Some of his thoughts are difficult to follow but perseverance paid off for me. MacDonald has convinced me that I have misunderstood God and his intensions towards me. He has convinced me that "God is Light and in Him there is no darkness at all."

I have read hundreds of books dealing with every aspect of Christianity, religion, theology and philosophy. I also have a degree in theology. In my opinion this book has had more impact on my life then the sum of the others I have read combined! C.S. Lewis considered MacDonald his master and I never understood why until I read this collection. It is the best, most impacting book I have ever read. It can be a hard read at times but don't let that stop you because it's well worth it! I never write reviews on anything; I have been impacted so strongly by this book I had to let everyone know how great it is and is a must read for anyone! If you are a seeker of truth and are ready for real answers in your life than this is the book for you. This is by far the best collection I have ever read. It changed my life and would wager any amount of money you will find a similar response. Don't even think about it; Just get it!!!

I love Macdonald's novels so I purchased this book. It is deep reading at times because of the translation but well worth the time. His insights into God are terrific at times.

I have read a lot of Christian writing - not only Theology in basically all it's manifestations (Catholicism, various forms of Protestantism, Orthodoxy), but Literature as well (Paradise Lost, The Confessions of St. Augustine, The Pilgrim's Progress, The Divine Comedy). I am intimiately familiar with C.S. Lewis, Madeleine L'Engle, Tolkien, etc. I've also read thoroughly very talented Christian poets like John Donne, William Blake, John Milton, Edmund Spencer, etc.

And there is not a single writer like George MacDonald. His writing has the closest feel to the Gospels as anything I've ever read. He addresses Christianity in so many ways - logically, emotionally, practically, humanly. He portrays Christ in such a different way than anyone else I have ever read. He portrays a Christ that truly speaks to your soul.

There are truths in these sermons that cannot be found anywhere else. If you're feeling the flimsiness of "church" faith - if you want to get a better sense of what real, deep faith in God is about - I suggest you read these sermons. They have changed my life in ways I cannot express, as MacDonald expresses more of the heart of Christ than anyone I have ever read.

I was first introduced to these Unspoken Sermons by way of C.S. Lewis' almost insane fascination with the authors fairy-based fictional writing (Phantastes, more specifically), which I am currently investigating. If you are interested in a different kind of preaching that is nearly unheard in our times - these lessons cannot be overpowered. You will go away with an unwavering convection that this is the Christianity that was preached by Jesus in the synoptic gospels. The entire center of George Macdonald's sermons are specific embodiments of the life and teachings of Jesus. Even when George goes into the epistles and Old Testament writings, he always used them as to unveil a deeper way of understanding who Jesus is in his eternal suchness. Giving a mystical interpretation of the gospel of St. John, which is missing in the books of christian authorship, whose aim is to explore deeper meanings.