Systematic Philosophical Theology, Volume 2b - by William Lane Craig (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Authored by distinguished theologian William Lane Craig, this multi-volume series blends biblical, historical, and analytic theology to present a comprehensive and philosophically coherent articulation of key doctrines. Setting itself apart, this systematic theology integrates sacred and secular knowledge, bridging the gap between theology and scientific disciplines. The author's unique approach addresses profound philosophical questions in each doctrinal area, enriching the discourse on the nature of God and the coherence of Christian beliefs. The series introduces distinctive formulations, from a temporal understanding of God to a Molinist perspective on divine providence. A social model of the Trinity, a nuanced theological anthropology, and a neo-Apollinarian Christology contribute to a fresh exploration of Christian thought. Systematic Philosophical Theology promises a transformative journey, challenging conventions and redefining the landscape of systematic theology. With its structured themes, integration of knowledge, completeness, and logical coherence, this series stands as a landmark contribution, inviting readers to engage with an intellectually enriching exploration of faith and reason"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Presents a transformative journey through Christian doctrine

William Lane Craig's Systematic Philosophical Theology is a multi-volume explication of Christian doctrine in the classic Protestant tradition of the loci communes as seen through the lens of contemporary analytic philosophy. Uniquely blending the disciplines of biblical theology, historical theology, and analytic theology, these volumes aim to provide readers with a biblical and philosophically coherent articulation of a wide range of Christian doctrines.

Volume II treats the locus On God in two parts. The first part, Volume IIa: Attributes of God, explores the coherence of theism. Conceiving of God as an infinite and personal being of maximal greatness, Craig carefully defines and explicates the divine attributes of incorporeality, necessity, aseity, simplicity, eternality, omnipresence, omniscience, omnipotence, and goodness.

In the second part, Volume IIb: Excursus on Natural Theology, On the Trinity, Craig examines six arguments for God's existence, including the argument from contingency, the kalām cosmological argument, the argument from the applicability of mathematics, the argument from cosmic fine-tuning, the moral argument, and the ontological argument, along with the problem of evil. Following the excursus, he transitions to an articulation and defense of Christian theism, formulating a biblical doctrine of the Trinity and offering a model of God as a tripersonal soul.

• Contributes to a diverse theological landscape with fresh perspectives on traditional concepts
• Integrates insights from authoritative Scriptures and diverse secular disciplines
• Provides a synoptic worldview that bridges the gap between religious and scientific knowledge
• Engages with deep philosophical questions surrounding Christian doctrine
• Presents unique formulations of Christian doctrines, such as God's temporality, Molinism, and a social model of the Trinity

Offering a clear and structured exposition of complex theological and philosophical topics, Systematic Philosophical Theology, Volume IIb: Excursus on Natural Theology, On the Trinity, is ideal for graduate and advanced undergraduate students studying philosophy of religion, theology, or apologetics. It serves as a core or supplementary text for courses in systematic theology, philosophical theology, and Christian doctrine, and is an invaluable reference for scholars, theologians, and religious philosophers seeking a deeper understanding of the rational foundations of Christian theism.

About the Author

William Lane Craig is Emeritus Research Professor of Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, California. A distinguished theologian and philosopher, he has authored or edited more than 60 books, including The Blackwell Companion to Natural Theology, as well as over 300 articles in professional publications of philosophy and theology.