Our Idea of God: An Introduction to Philosophical Theology

If you want to learn about God and philosophical theology this is a great book to start with. I do not know if I agree with all of Mr. Morris's idea's but they are very interesting and give you something to think about. I must admit it made me think of some things I never thought of before. If you are not real familiar with the harder philosophical/theological terminology, this is a good book to start with.

Several recent studies remind us of the perennial importance of "our idea of God," the title of Thomas V. Morris's recent work: Our Idea of God: An Introduction to Philosophical Theology (Downer's Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, c. 1991). Designed "as an elementary introduction to philosophical theology," this treatise seeks "to provide an example of how some simple, straightforward philosophical methods of thinking can shed light on theological matters which might otherwise remain obscure" (p. 11). And while the "simplicity" of the presentation might be questioned by those lacking some proficiency in philosophy, Morris's stated intent works itself out in this clear and cogent case for theism. First, one must believe God-talk has merit. Morris examines the claims of those who declare that if God's really an infinite Being we finite beings can never understand Him. Certainly the task must be approached humbly; but the use of analogies and symbols, carefully employed by persons created in God's image, offer us hope as we strive to craft a suitable idea of God. "If God is infinite Mind and has brought into existence minded creatures in his image, then it might be expected that those creatures' minds could grasp something of his existence and nature" (p. 25). Not everything, mind you, but something! While Morris acknowledges the value of various ways of thinking about God (e.g. biblical theology or creation theology) he favors "perfect being theology," settling into the tradition of Anselm, who judged God an infinite Being--"that than which no greater can be conceived." At the heart of this theology is this thesis: "God is a being with the greatest possible array of compossible great-making properties" (p. 35). By careful reasoning, one can move from this core conviction to the conclusion that God is "a thoroughly benevolent conscious agent with unlimited knowledge and power who is the necessarily existent, ontologically independent creative source of all else" (p. 40). Given this concept, Morris first explores God's Goodness. In Boethius' judgment, "'The substance of God consists in nothing but in goodness'" (p. 47), and when we think seriously about it we discover "that beneath the surface of this apparently simple affirmation about God lies a surprising wealth of conceptual commitments" (p. 48). After exploring several of them, Morris then turns, in successive chapters, to questions concerning God's Power, Knowledge, Being, and Eternity, offering insights and clarifications in the process. For example, in his chapter on God's Knowledge, he delves into the ancient argument that omniscience effaces free will. After considering some of the philosophical options, Morris suggests that Luis de Molina's notion of "middle knowledge" pro¬vides a clue for thinkers concerned with preserving both divine foreknowledge and human freedom. (Interested in the resolution? Buy the book and study pp. 92-102!) In chapter

This is a very good book. While Morris is not entirely balanced on all parts of the book--e.g. his chapter on God's relationship to time--this is a wonderful work as an introduction to philosophical theology. It's a shame to me that he is not currently writing more on the subject. dp

Highly recommedable to people interested in philosophy and theology. Its strength lies in clarity and depth, a good combination for a philosophy book. Morris' articulation of many basic philosophical issues in theology is as clear as it can get, (speaking from a theology/philosophy student's point of view). At the same time, its content exceeds way beyond simplistic explanations that fall so short of our expectations. I think that if you have some aquaintance with philosophy (ex, having taken some introductory level classes), you will, with a reasonable amount of effort, find this book immensely satisfying and rewarding. Morris' "Our Idea of God" deals with such topics as (1) compatibility between God's foreknowledge and human freedom, (2) the relationship between biblical theology and philosophy, (3) God's omnipotence and challenges posed against it, (4) Incarnation and Trinity, and many more. Written from a Christian perspective, I believe it can greatly strengthen and further one's thinking of God - which is, to say the least, very very exciting!! I wish I could have read it sooner.