The Truth in Jesus by George MacDonald is a fascinating book I stumbled upon in the library stacks a few weeks ago. MacDonald was a Scottish preacher and writer during the Victorian era and his work is very insightful. I had no idea that he was such a huge influence on another of my favorite writers, C.S. Lewis. Having read Lewis and now reading MacDonald I can very much see where Lewis learned from and drew on MacDonald's work. His ideas are remarkable, and probably a bit controversial. But he always leaves room for his own error. Here is a man truly trying to draw closer to God, and bringing is audience into the journey so that they can learn as well. Like MacDonald says, since each of us are different we each have a different understanding of God and access to a special part of his soul reserved only for us, we must share this with others. MacDonald has done that beautifully. I have been prompted to re-read and reconsider certain Bible passages myself in the light of MacDonald's non-traditional understanding of them. I hope you will consider reading this book and do the same!
The version I read was edited by Michael Phillips. I found the editing to be helpful. Anyone who has read Victorian literature understands how language has changed. We don't speak or write so formally anymore, and we certainly don't make sentences that last for entire paragraphs. Phillips has broken down the complex structure without altering MacDonald's words too much, in order to make it easier to digest. This was very helpful. However, he also added commentary on each of MacDonald's chapters, and this was entirely redundant. Phillips either paraphrased MacDonald or just quoted him. In fact, two-thirds of the commentary chapters is just straight quotation, which defeats the point of commentary.
All in all a very good book and I am looking forward to reading more by MacDonald. He, like Lewis, wrote extensive non-fiction and fantasy. I pray to follow in their footsteps someday!
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