James E. Dolezal

If you are looking for a book detailing the Doctrine of God (Theology Proper) from the perspective of Thomistic metaphysics, this is an excellent book. If, however, you reject Thomism, which I do, then this will look like a book utilizing outdated philosophical ideas to attempt to understand God, and spectacularly failing due to its flawed philosophy.

Also, as an FYI, the Scriptures do not teach Aristotle or Thomas Aquinas. So one is most certainly not required to use Thomistic metaphysics in show more one's understanding of God. show less

Dolezal has written this book in response to his belief that there is a rise of sub-classical theism that within the church. He seeks to do two things: first, lay out a clear explanation of the classical Christian conceptions of the doctrine of God, namely such things as simplicity, impassability, immutability, unity, and Trinity, and second, demonstrate how all other more modern conceptions are lacking.

God is one. From the beginning, that much has been clear though the meaning has been a show more source of continual articulation. This commitment to the unity of God demands several things. God is fully actualized. All that is in God is God. He does not ever gain a new state of being. Therefore, He is impassable. He is not a composite unity. He is one. Therefore, He is simple. All that He is done He is doing. He is outside of time. He is infinite. He is a Trinity. The question becomes as to what three persons mean. Though language is helpful, it is not univocal concerning God. We cannot rightfully consider the Persons of the Godhead the way we consider other persons. The Trinitarian Persons are the relationships. The unity is unbroken.

Dolezal is direct and honest. He spares no punches. He takes God seriously. He develops the significance of so many descriptions of God that are often thrown out as cliches since understanding them requires hard work. This book is not simple; it probably cannot be. Dolezal does an admirable job in making it accessible, but it requires work. All That Is In God deserves a wide readership. It needs to be interacted with. In some places, he has probably gone to far. In doing so, he is correcting those who have not gone far enough though he still may be wrong. I hope this will lead to a deeper appreciation of God and His majesty. show less

A philosophical a d theological analysis.