Classical theism

Classical theism is a theological and philosophical form of theism that conceives of God as the ultimate reality, characterized by attributes such as omnibenevolence, omnipotence, and omniscience. Rooted in the ancient Greek philosophy of Plato and Aristotle, classical theism presents God as a deity that is immutable, impassible, transcendent, 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 Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria and Augustine incorporated classical theistic ideas into Christian theology, establishing a framework that was later to be refined by medieval thinkers such as Thomas Aquinas. In Jewish thought, philosophers like Philo and Maimonides emphasized the unity and transcendence of God, aligning closely with classical theistic principles. Similarly, Islamic philosophers such as Avicenna and Al-Farabi 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 criticized on theological grounds. Proponents of process theology argue that the conception of God as an unchanging being fails to capture the dynamic and evolving nature of the world. Open theists interpret the classical doctrine of omnipotence as involving force and suggest a forbearance in divine power instead.