25: Classical Theism

1. Theological Category and Placement

Category: Philosophical Theology

Classical Theism is a foundational tradition within Philosophical Theology that articulates the nature of God through metaphysical attributes such as omnipotence, omniscience, immutability, timelessness, and aseity. It employs philosophical reasoning to affirm God as the necessary, unchanging, and absolute being, rooted in the works of Augustine, Anselm, and Aquinas. This tradition seeks to systematically describe God’s perfection in line with Christian doctrine (Craig, 2008).

2. Introduction

Classical Theism defines God as the maximally great being, possessing all perfections to their fullest extent. It upholds God’s transcendence and immutability, asserting that God exists outside of time and change. This view has dominated much of Christian theology, particularly in the Western tradition, providing a metaphysical framework for understanding divine nature and attributes (Adams, 1999).

3. Historical Development

Rooted in ancient philosophy, particularly Platonic and Aristotelian thought, Classical Theism was developed by Church Fathers such as Augustine and later systematised by medieval scholastics like Thomas Aquinas. Anselm’s ontological argument further supported the notion of God as the greatest conceivable being. This tradition was foundational for the metaphysical and theological frameworks in Christianity until the rise of modern and contemporary critiques (Craig, 2008).

4. Core Doctrines and Theological Emphases

  • Omnipotence: God is all-powerful.
  • Omniscience: God possesses complete knowledge.
  • Immutability: God does not change.
  • Eternity/Timelessness: God exists outside time or is eternal in a timeless sense.
  • Aseity: God is self-existent and independent.
  • Simplicity: God is not composed of parts; divine attributes are identical with God’s essence.

5. Scriptural and Theological Foundations

Classical Theism is grounded in biblical affirmations of God’s sovereignty and holiness (e.g., Psalm 90:2; Malachi 3:6). Its philosophical foundation reflects Scripture’s depiction of God’s perfection and transcendence, interpreted through metaphysical categories (Craig, 2008).

6. Influence and Impact

Classical Theism has profoundly influenced Western theology, philosophy, and apologetics. It has shaped doctrines of God across Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant traditions. Contemporary philosophical debates continue to engage with its claims, including discussions on divine simplicity and temporal existence (Adams, 1999).

7. Representative Theologians and Key Works

  • Augustine of Hippo – Early articulation of divine attributes
  • Anselm of Canterbury – Ontological argument for God’s existence
  • Thomas Aquinas – Summa Theologica, synthesiser of Aristotelian philosophy and Christian doctrine
  • William Lane Craig – Contemporary defender of Classical Theism

8. Conclusion

Classical Theism remains a central and influential tradition in Philosophical Theology, offering a rigorous metaphysical account of God’s nature consistent with Christian orthodoxy. Its detailed articulation of divine attributes continues to shape theological and philosophical discourse.

9. References

  • Adams, R. M. (1999). Finite and Infinite Goods: A Framework for Ethics. Oxford University Press.
  • Craig, W. L. (2008). Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics. Crossway.
  • Aquinas, T. (1273/1947). Summa Theologica (Fathers of the English Dominican Province, Trans.). Benziger Bros.
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