George MacDonald's Challenging Theology of the Atonement, Suffering, and Death

Book excerpt: This book sheds light on the challenging theology of nineteenth-century Scottish writer George MacDonald concerning the true meaning of the Atonement, the purpose of trials and suffering, the nature of the unpardonable sin, hope for growth, and death. Under consideration is Thomas Hooker's "Poor Doubting Christian Drawn unto Christ" on the redemption of Joan Drake and its influence on MacDonald's "Wingfold" trilogy; MacDonald's version of the "Wandering Jew"; MacDonald's interpretation of Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and Dante's "Divine Comedy"; and similarities and differences between the theological ideas of MacDonald, C. S. Lewis, Elizabeth Prentiss, and Shusaku Endo.