Donal Grant: Chapters 21- 27

  It is interesting to observe how much Christian truth GMD conveys to his readers through the story.  In episodes in which Donal teaches and explains concepts to Davie, he is teaching his readers.  He is quite aware that by writing novels he has a great many more readers than by writing sermons, and in believable scenes in novels he can show how relevant to life Christian truths are.  

As the ideal Christian Donal desires to be of help in whatever situations he finds himself, but is uncertain just what to do.  In his encounters with the Lord Forgue and Eppie, with the Comins, and with the mysterious actions of Lord Morven, he is observant and concerned, acting as a friend, but not imposing himself in any intrusive or  dictatorial manner. 

It is pertinent to remark that GMD is drawing from his own experience. When he was a young man, freshly graduated from King’s College, and employed as a tutor in London, he went through a difficult period in shaping his own faith.  He immersed himself in the Gospels, tried earnestly to follow Christ’s teachings, and came to the conclusions he shares in this novel, and many other places in his writings.

GMD’s emphasis falls consistently upon the importance of one’s relying upon one’s own understanding of the nature of God, rather than that given to one by teachers of Christianity.  To understand correctly the character of God forms the foundation for a true and satisfying life. He tries to steer his readers away from second-hand theological concepts.  This point is well expressed in Chapter 24 as an episode of Donal’s teaching of Davie is given.  One must strive to know for oneself the Scriptural character of Jesus, but it can be done only by utter obedience to his teachings, and in so doing one achieves an accurate understanding of the nature of God. When Actura remarks that even the best artist cannot get an accurate depiction of a person only from words, Donal explains:

“I understand you quite . . . . But the nearest likeness you can see of him [Christ], is the one drawn by yourself from thinking about him while you do what he tells you.  No other is of any vital use.  And the great promise he made is that if God were not in us at all, we should see nothing at all of his likeness.  But he has promised to come himself into our hearts, to give us his spirit, the very presence of his soul to our souls, talking in language that cannot be spoken because it is too great and strong and fine for any words of ours.  So he is nearer to us than even his personal presence to us would be.  And that is how we are able to see him in our spirits, and are able to draw for ourselves his likeness.  But first of all, and before every thing else, remember Davie, obedience."

DOES THIS HELP TO EXPLAIN WHY THERE ARE SUCH DIFFERING THEOLOGICAL VIEWS OF GOD’S CHARACTER AND ACTION?

       The nub of MacDonald’s quarrel with some theologies is advanced in Chapter 27 in Donal’s explanation of the doctrine of adoption in Scripture as opposed to Miss Carmichael’s false understanding of it .  It is important to note that when Paul speaks of believers being adopted into the kingdom of God, he is not using the term “adoption” as we understand it.  In Paul’s world the term was used to denote the legal process whereby a son was given full legal authority in the family.  He was recognized as the son that he was.  So Paul is saying that God “adopts” those of his children who come to him.

   Note how the mystery of the strange sounds that echo through the castle is  slowly unfolding.   Both Actura and Lord Morwen are puzzled by the weird noises they hear.    The mystery deepens as we learn there are rumors of a ghost inhabiting the premises.  Note also that the sounds are in part associated with the wind as it plays upon hidden elements in the castle.  Much more will be given as we continue reading.

ANY REACTIONS TO THE TEXT?  SHARE THEM.