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Cover of Unspoken Sermons, Series I., II., and III.

Unspoken Sermons, Series I., II., and III.

Written by George MacDonald

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Sermons, English

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About this book

"Unspoken Sermons, Series I, II, and III." by George MacDonald is a collection of theological essays written in the mid-19th century. The work delves into profound spiritual concepts, such as the nature of God, the essence of faith, and the significance of humility, emphasizing the intrinsic value of childlikeness in understanding divine truths. At the start of the book, MacDonald presents a meditation on the biblical passage where Jesus places a child among his disciples to illustrate the importance of humility and service in the kingdom of God. He reflects on the characteristics of true childhood—innocence, simplicity, and a lack of worldly wisdom—and posits that these qualities make one open to the divine. Through this lens, MacDonald explores themes of forgiveness, love, and the transformative power of recognizing God in the everyday experiences of humanity. This opening portion sets the tone for the rest of the sermons, which aim to uncover deeper insights into spiritual living and the nature of God's relationship with his creation.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Unspoken Sermons, Series I., II., and III., written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 12 hours
  • advanced
  • uplifting
  • profound
  • reflective

George MacDonald's "Unspoken Sermons, Series I, II, and III." is a profound collection of theological essays from the mid-19th century that reinterprets core Christian doctrines through the lens of God's universal, corrective love. MacDonald emphasizes the spiritual necessity of childlikeness—innocence, trust, and humility—as the gateway to understanding divine truths, challenging conventional views of sin, judgment, and atonement. The work systematically explores the nature of God as a loving, transformative Father whose ultimate desire is the restoration and perfection of His creation, rather than punitive retribution. Through poetic prose and deep spiritual insight, MacDonald invites readers to an active, obedient faith that recognizes God's presence and purpose in all aspects of life, fostering a profound sense of hope and spiritual growth.

“The one terrible thing, the one thing that will not let us rest, is that God is our Father.”

Key themes

The Fatherhood of God and Divine Love
Central to MacDonald's theology is the absolute Fatherhood of God, who is characterized by an unwavering, all-encompassing love. This love is not merely benevolent but also fiercely corrective, seeking the ultimate good and perfection of all His children. MacDonald argues that God's love is the driving force behind all creation, judgment, and redemption, continually working to draw humanity into a deeper relationship with Him. This theme challenges notions of a wrathful or distant deity, presenting instead a God who is intimately involved and endlessly pursuing His creation's highest potential.
Childlikeness and Humility
MacDonald posits that 'childlikeness' is the essential posture for understanding divine truths and entering the kingdom of God. This is distinct from childishness; it embodies innocence, simplicity, trust, dependence, and a lack of ego-driven wisdom. It's about an open heart and mind, willing to learn and obey, free from the prejudices and self-sufficiency of worldly experience. Humility, therefore, is the foundation upon which true spiritual insight is built, allowing one to receive God's grace and guidance without resistance.
Sin, Obedience, and Transformation
MacDonald defines sin not primarily as a breaking of rules, but as a fundamental estrangement from God and, consequently, from one's true, God-intended self. It is a state of disobedience, a refusal to live in accordance with divine will, which leads to spiritual sickness and disunity. Salvation, then, is not merely escaping punishment, but a process of transformation through active obedience to God's will, becoming more like Christ. This obedience is not slavish but a loving response to God's nature, leading to inner healing and moral growth.

Worth discussing

How does MacDonald's concept of 'childlikeness' differ from childishness, and why is it central to his theology?

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