Classical theism

Classical theism is a theological and philosophical form of theism that conceives of God as the ultimate, transcendent reality, characterized by attributes such as omnipotence, omniscience, and perfect goodness. Rooted in the ancient Greek philosophy of Plato and Aristotle, classical theism presents God as a being who is immutable, impassible, and entirely self-sufficient. This understanding of God emphasizes divine simplicity, where God's essence and existence are identical, making Him fundamentally distinct from all created beings.

Throughout history, classical theism has significantly shaped the doctrines of major religious traditions, particularly within Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. The early Church Fathers, like Augustine, incorporated classical theistic ideas into Christian theology, establishing a framework that was later refined by medieval thinkers such as Thomas Aquinas. In Jewish thought, philosophers like Maimonides emphasized the unity and transcendence of God, aligning closely with classical theistic principles. Similarly, Islamic philosophers such as Avicenna and Al-Ghazali adopted classical theistic concepts to articulate a vision of God as utterly singular and beyond human comprehension.

Despite its profound influence, classical theism has been subject to significant critique, particularly in the modern era. Philosophers and theologians have challenged the coherence of attributes like divine simplicity and immutability, questioning how an unchanging God can interact with a dynamic world or respond to human prayer.