Classical Theism: A Christian Introduction

Praise for Classical Theism

This book is an insightful, weighty, and well-written study of the Christian doctrine of God, with attention both to the great tradition of faithful believing and also some of the debates carried on by today’s theologians. Doxology is always near the surface—a sense of the wonder and awe and contemplation of what St. Paul called ‘the deep things of God’ (1 Cor 2:10).

—Timothy George, distinguished professor, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

Steffaniak makes a clear and compelling case that classical theism’s insistence on divine simplicity, immutability, eternity, and impassibility does not point to a cold and distant Deity but rather offers essential support for sustaining the Christian tradition’s commitment to God’s boundless love and faithfulness. This book is an incredible resource for all those who study, teach, or simply hope to explore the church’s long tradition of reflection on the nature and attributes of God.

—Brendan Case, associate director for research, The Human Flourishing Program, Harvard University

In his introduction to classical theism—or what he terms mere classical theism—Steffaniak presents an important book aimed at rehabilitating the doctrine of God, the foundation of the church’s theology. He argues that recovering the vision of God found in the great tradition is essential for the church’s faith and practice today, especially as it navigates new philosophical and moral challenges. This book is a readable and reliable guide to the attributes of God, certain to encourage and edify any Christian leader seeking to deepen their love for God.

—Stephen O. Presley, senior fellow for religion and public life, Center for Religion, Culture & Democracy; associate professor of church history, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

This book has value as both a primer and a plea. It’s a primer for engaging very complex material—especially surveying the relevant philosophical debates. And it’s a plea for embracing mere classical theism—neither rejecting it as unbiblical nor requiring a more specific version for ‘orthodoxy’ than history will bear. Without having all the answers, Jordan Steffaniak can help us to frame better questions.

—Daniel Treier, Gunther H. Knoedler Professor of Theology, Wheaton College