Discovering the Character of God: Profound Spiritual Insight into God's Wondrously Loving Character

by George MacDonald, Michael R. Phillips (Editor)

The words and wisdom of George MacDonald, one of the nineteenth-century's greatest thinkers, are now available in modern paperback editions. Discovering the Character of God and Knowing the Heart of God have been carefully put together by editor Michael Phillips. Combining thematically relevant portions of poetry, sermons, and fiction, each title will help lead serious readers into deeper regions of faith in God. In Discovering the Character of God, MacDonald presents the magnificent qualities inherent in God's loving character, while still insisting on the harmony between his mercy and justice. His imaginative perception of God's presence and handiwork in every facet of life lead the reader on an enriching path of discovery.

Genres: Christianity, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Christian

317 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

George MacDonald was a Scottish author, poet and Christian Congregational minister. He became a pioneering figure in the field of modern fantasy literature and the mentor of fellow-writer Lewis Carroll. In addition to his fairy tales, MacDonald wrote several works of Christian theology, including several collections of sermons.

Reviews

[Brittany Hilgemeier · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to enjoy this more than I did. While I think there were a lot of really profound and resonant points here, I struggled with having so much pulled out of context (which is unavoidable when you’re doing a collected work like this). There were several chapters where I felt the subject was unclear or the point was something I didn’t agree with, but I can’t say that would have been the case if I had read the content in its original context, so it isn’t a fault of MacDonald’s as much as the editors. I’ll continue to read his work, but I may not revisit this one, at least not in its entirety.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better the 2nd, or 3rd reading!

It’s been about 30 years since I last read this book, and I’m discovering where I possibly started my journey in becoming a true daughter of our Heavenly Father. The first time that I read Discovering the Character of God and Knowing the Heart of God, I was in my teens and I remember that both books touched me-just not anything specific. George MacDonald so eloquently explains God’s character from Gods’ own Word. And the key to it all is obedience… if we just obey what we know, God will show us more of Himself, and open our eyes to more-to make us more like Christ.

[Jordan Reichert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal. I can see why his writing was so influential on C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and so many others. MacDonald's perspective on the truth of God and ability to put that truth into living, intellectually-challenging, and beautiful description is without modern comparison. I do not agree, though, with some of his conclusions - specifically, his belief in man's innate immortality as well as his universalism. He holds unwaveringly to the idea that all people will eventually be saved. Outside of that, though, MacDonald is gold.

[Kayla Hager · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m sure I would rate this higher if I better understood the writing style; which isn’t altogether fair for the book as it’s my own limitations that made the read difficult.

I hope to come back to this book in the future as I did glean from it and I’m sure if the language was more modern I’d have better understanding. Still, the book was insightful and challenged some of my understandings of God’s character.

I also wonder if Dan Mohler has read some of George MacDonald’s work. They seem to hold many similar views on righteousness and what it truly means to be a child of God.

[Jason Kanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

MacDonald is a captivating writer who challenges one's thinking. He strongly advocates obeying Christ in everything. My biggest hesitation, even frank disagreement, is that he denies imputed righteousness.