The Humility of God: Christian Meditations

by John MacQuarrie

Book by John Macquarrie

84 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

John Macquarrie FBA TD was a Scottish-born theologian and philosopher. Timothy Bradshaw has described Macquarrie as "unquestionably Anglicanism's most distinguished systematic theologian in the second half of the twentieth century."

Reviews

[Harry Allagree · Rating 4 out of 5]

I became enamored of John MacQuarrie's theology, partiularly in his "Principles of Christian Theology, when I was preparing to be received as an Episcopal priest. This little gem of a book, published in 1978, does not disappoint. It's a captivating & succinct reflection on the humble God acting in and through Jesus the Christ. "...God has been man's companion since the beginning. God's part in the story has been a constant self-giving. He gave himself in creation itself, he continued to give himself in covenants and promises [Chapter 1: The Sharing], he stood beside his people and placed himself at their disposal in the incarnation and the passion [Chapters 2-4: The Coming, The Teaching, The Passion], he continues to pour out his Spirit [Chapter 5: The Coming]. We have been thinking in these meditations chiefly of Godin his nearness and companionship, in his waiting upon his creatures and in the humility of his love." A simple, but exceedingly profound message! MacQuarrie has the knack of going to the heart of the ancient mysteries of faith & expressing them in a way that engenders renewed hope in the reader.

['Bukunmi Bifarin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a little but really powerful book!
MacQuarrie in his meditations reflect on how the love and humility of God is at the center of Christian faith and God’s engagement with His human creation - an idea that contradicts the image of God we tend to have (that of power and distance).
MacQuarrie beautifully unravels the mystery of a God that loves His creation to the point of coming in their form to suffer and die for them. A God who shares His Spirit with His creation through the resurrection with the ultimate goal of bringing them fully into His life, light and perfection.

[John Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've made a point of trying to read 'beautiful' literature this year and this work my John Macquarrie undoubtedly fits that character.

With incredible insight -- blending orthodoxy with modern concerns -- Macquarrie presents a work that is speaks profoundly into the human condition today.

Somehow, in the throes of history, various parts of the church left Jesus Christ behind. Pulpits were lecterns that espoused pop-psychology and ethics, pastoral offices became low budget counselling services, and theological education was replaced with MBAs and leadership colleges. Macquarrie provides the great antidote (which is always the antidote, mind you) by returning our focus to the person of Jesus Christ and the eternal implications of his life, death, and resurrection.

“We cannot think of God apart from Jesus Christ, and we cannot think of Jesus Christ apart from his passion and death.” (J Macquarrie, The Humility of God. 61) -- what a quote for our day.

Beautiful. poetic. orthodox. meaningful.

Will read again.

[Jacquie.Paumiergmail.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered the book in the Glenstal Book of Readings for the Seasons, and thanks to the previous reviews on this website, immediately ordered it. I have no regrets! From page one I felt as though John Macquarrie was writing for our troubled times, yet the book was published in 1978!

There is no need to be a religious scolar to seize the message of this slim volume as the author presents the humility and love of God, his devotion to his creation and the grace offered through the life and message of Jesus Christ in clear and comprehensible terms.

I can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone on a spiritual and questioning path.