Suffering does not call into question the "big picture" of the Christian faith. It reminds us that we do not see the whole picture, and are thus unable to fit all of the pieces neatly into place.
Alister E. McGrathThe idea of โcalling' was fundamentally redefined: no longer was it about being called to serve God by leaving the world; it was now about serving God in the world
Alister E. McGrathOne of the best introductions to the history and ideas of Calvinism, packed with insight and wisdom.
Alister E. McGrathThe success of the Inklings also helps us to see criticism in a positive light. There are, unfortunately, people who boost their own sense of importance by criticizing others as a matter of principle. Yet within this community, criticism was a mark of respect and commitment.
Alister E. McGrathThe reading of literature opens our eyes, offering us new perspectives on things that we can evaluate and adopt.
Alister E. McGrathWithin each of us exists the image of God, however disfigured and corrupted by sin it may presently be. God is able to recover this image through grace as we are conformed to Christ. Just as the figure of David lay hidden within the marble, discernible only to the eye of its creator, so the image of God (however tarnished by sin) lies within us, see and known by God Himself. Yet God loves us while we are still sinners. He doesn't have to wait until we stop sinning. Acceptance of His love is a major step along the road that leads to our liberation from the tyranny of sin.
Alister E. McGrath