God the Almighty: Power, Wisdom, Holiness, Love (Volume 3)

by Donald G. Bloesch

The doctrine of God is receiving renewed and vigorous attention in theology. Even a cursory examination of recent scholarship reveals what leading evangelical theologian Donald Bloesch describes as "a mounting controversy over the concept of God." God is variously portrayed as vulnerable (Jurgen Moltmann, Clark Pinnock), as lover (Norman Pittenger, Ronald Goetz), as friend (Alfred North Whitehead, Sallie McFague) and as empowerer (Rosemary Radford Ruether). Bloesch agrees that many of these proposals have some biblical merit. But what is lacking, he argues, "is a strong affirmation of the holiness and almightiness of God." So in this volume, while Bloesch offers cogent criticisms of the classical view of God, he skillfully seeks to hold in faithful tension "the polarities that are reflected in God's nature and activity—his majesty as well as his vulnerability, his sovereignty as well as his grace, his wholly otherness as well as his unsurpassable closeness, his holiness as well as his love."

Genres: Theology, Reference, Christian

325 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1995

Reviews

[Scott Kohler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good overview and orientation to the doctrine of God.

[Krishna Hyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any one who's interested in theology cannot ignore this book. Especially if you know about a few names like Luther, Calvin, Barth, you always wanted to read their books but did not have the time or the discipline to sit through, this book will help you meet each one of them. Not so much of Luther but definitely Barth. There would be several times you would be tempted to give up your reading and then suddenly the author's comments bring life and excitement and then you press on. Bloesch taken on the argument with the Process theologians and gives an apt answer. If you cannot read the entire book, atleast you should read two chapters (Power & Wisdom, Holiness & Love).

Having said all the nice things, Bloesch in a way presents more of Barth rather than of his original contributions. Ofcourse, many of us might say, there is nothing wrong in appreciating Barth or Brunner and i agree. Then, we would like to know something unique that the author might be presenting apart from affirming others.

However, i would still recommend this book to every Christian and more so for those who are in their graduate or under-graduate studies in any seminary. Read and Enjoy, you would not regret.

[Filip Sekkelsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evaluation
Bloesch brings clarity and balance to the doctrine of God and the different issues he addresses, and achieves his purposes adeptly. He does this by first tracing the historical development of the topics, engaging with primary sources and showing shrewd understanding of other’s opinions. The book is generally well organized, though he is somewhat inconsistent in presenting his own opinions. They appear sometimes scattered within the discussions, other times at the end of the chapter.
The recurring phrase “biblical faith” aids reading by refreshingly showing a biblical and balanced view of the relevant issue, as opposed to other views. This critique and return to a biblically based view enriched by insights from both extremes is timely and refreshing, as for example in reinterpreting immutability as constancy or reliability.
I appreciated his ability to draw insights from philosophy and imbalanced Christian views, that by themselves are inadequate. He hence synthesized many loose strands of truths, without confining them to a philosophical “overarching ontology”. He is ecumenical in the solutions he provides, having divine revelation found in Scripture, not any tradition, as the supreme authority.
I recommend this book to every serious Christian, cognizant that it is perhaps too dense for casual readers. Bloesch presents the doctrine of God in a biblical and balanced manner, a God truly worthy of worship.

[Glenn Crouch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in Bloesch's Christian Foundations series, and I am embarking on my second read of these volumes quite some time after the first. In this volume, the Author manages to cover quite a bit about God given the book is only just over 300 pages including indexes.

I do enjoy reading Bloesch. I enjoy the way he covers many different views - though often quite briefly, and sometimes I would enjoy more. I enjoy how he then brings forward his view and an argument for it. I also like his positive view on Luther, Calvin and Barth - though he is not afraid to criticise.

Whilst examining Philosophical and Theological (both old and new) views on God, Bloesch keeps drawing us back to the Biblical picture of God, especially the God portrayed in the Gospels - and I believe correctly identifies Hellenistic and other influences that have taken us away from our Hebrew / Jewish roots.

If there was a downside, it would be that the "Mystery of the Trinity" is a chapter rather than an additional book in the series. It is quite a good chapter, hence my regret that there is not more - much more :)

[Harman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A diverse mix of pure gold and soul-cringing moments. His warranted bias against Hellenism is far too often overgeneralized as a dismissal of the Church Fathers like some grand scheme of building and destroying straw men - especially in the chapter entitled "The Biblical-Classical Synthesis."
He makes broad claims about other theological systems' overreaching dependency upon their contemporary cultural philosophies without checking much into what degree his own theological system depends upon his modern Evangelical philosophy.
Overall, Bloetsch is far too given to a markedly Reformed Evangelical view that revels in false dichotomies and creating problems where a Traditional, Sacramental worldview encounters no problem. At times it seems he forgets that the Incarnation of our Lord has very real implications for creation, time and God's experience of the them.
This being said, again, there are moments of profound beauty and truth that inspire worship of the Lord our God.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aimed at the graduate-level, Bloesch tackles some deeper issues of theology, drawing from a variety of historical voices. He addresses all the views, and comes out squarely on the side of affirming God's sovereignty, as the title indicates. Yet, he effectively holds in tension the differing sides, and does justice to the mysteries that are far beyond us.

[Norman Styers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bloesch gives a survey of various thinkers and then announces what his position is, but without really digging into the other thinkers. I would have loved to have seen him engaging others more sharply and arguing his positions more thoroughly.

[I-ki · Rating 2 out of 5]

A difficult read. The content was thought provoking, but the writing can be improved.

[Zach Waldis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good chapter on the Trinity and some other scattered helpful thoughts, but beyond that dry prose and block quotes don't make this a compelling read for me.