# The Cause of Spiritual Stupidity explained — Unspoken Sermons

> Chapter companion for Unspoken Sermons by George MacDonald.

## What happens

This chapter explores how spiritual dullness arises from a lack of trust in God, using the disciples' misunderstanding of Jesus' warning about the leaven of the Pharisees as a central example. It argues that preoccupation with material concerns—whether poverty or riches—blinds individuals to divine truths and the Father's care. The author emphasizes that true understanding comes through obedience, life-effort, and a childlike trust in God, rather than intellectual analysis. The chapter also contrasts the rich young ruler's attachment to possessions with the disciples' anxiety over a single loaf, showing that both stem from the same root of distrust.

## Themes in this chapter

### Faith and Obedience

The chapter emphasizes that trust in God is the foundation of understanding; without faith, even the disciples misinterpret Jesus' words and fail to see God's provision.

### Critique of Religious Legalism

The leaven of the Pharisees symbolizes a corrupt, legalistic mindset that seeks signs and relies on outward observance rather than inward trust in God.

### God as Loving Father

God is portrayed as a Father who cares for every detail of His children's lives, using even losses and denials to teach them to let go and trust Him more deeply.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

Jesus warns the disciples against the leaven of the Pharisees and rebukes their lack of understanding, pointing to the miracles of the loaves as evidence of God's care.

### The Pharisees

The Pharisees seek a sign from Jesus in mockery of unbelief; their leaven represents a hidden, corrupting influence that the disciples must avoid.

### St. Paul

Referenced as an example of one who was denied a request but given God's grace instead, illustrating God's fatherly dealings with all His children.

### The Youth

The rich young ruler who cannot accept Jesus' offer of better riches because he does not trust in God as the source of his wealth.

### God the Father

Described as the loving Father who gives good gifts, withholds only to give something better, and desires His children to trust Him wholeheartedly.

## Key lines

> How is it that ye do not understand?

Why do you fail to grasp the deeper meaning?

_Jesus' question to the disciples after they misunderstand his warning about the leaven of the Pharisees, pointing to their lack of trust as the root cause._

> Distrust is atheism, and the barrier to all growth.

Lack of trust in God is equivalent to denying His existence and prevents all spiritual progress.

_A key statement linking distrust to spiritual stagnation and the inability to understand divine truths._

> The care that is filling your mind at this moment, or but waiting till you lay the book aside to leap upon you—that need which is no need, is a demon sucking at the spring of your life.

The worry that occupies your thoughts, even if it seems reasonable, is a destructive force draining your vitality.

_A vivid metaphor for how anxiety over trivial matters undermines spiritual life and trust in God._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/unspoken_sermons_se/chapters/the-cause-of-spiritual-stupidity
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/unspoken_sermons_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/unspoken_sermons_se/chapters