TOP 10 RECOMMENDED RESOURCES ON THE DOCTRINE OF GOD

TOP 10 RECOMMENDED RESOURCES ON THE DOCTRINE OF GOD

By: Daniel McMillin

One of my greatest passions is the attributes of God! Here is a list of 10 of my favorite resources on the doctrine of God that I would endorse to anyone who is beginning their pursuit of God's essence and existence.

1.     Matthew Barrett’s None Greater: The Undomesticated Attributes of God

Barrett's treatment of the divine attributes in None Greater is possibly one of the best modern resources that you will find. It is a book that has changed my life and theology for the better. This book introduced me to a systematic approach to divine attributes. Most of the books on the doctrine of God are either strictly introductory or highly extensive. Barrett’s book is a good middle ground for those who are being introduced to the doctrine of God as well as those who Have been exposed to this topic and desire to study more on the subject. This book encourages the contemplation of the incomprehensible and infinite God that we serve. Barrett renews the reader’s love for God as they grow in their knowledge of the Triune God, of whom none is greater. If there were only one book that I could choose to recommend to any reader who desires to study more on the doctrine of God, it would certainly be this book.

2.     James E. Dolezal’s All That Is In God: Evangelical Theology and the Challenge of Classical Christian Theism 

Dolezal’s book All That Is in God is a well-written treatise on the doctrine of God as he views the divine attributes and the doctrine of the Trinity in light of divine simplicity. In addition, Dolezal engages with the theological weaknesses of the modern model of the doctrine of God (theistic personalism), where many of the classically affirmed divine attributes (simplicity, immutability, impassibility, aseity, eternality, and infinitude) are redefined or rejected. He provides a historical and theological basis for affirming classical theism by preserving the Godness of God. He preserves the classically held divine attributes of God by affirming that “all that is in God is God.” I would recommend this book to those who have been introduced to the divine attributes and are seeking to know more on the matter. This is certainly not an introductory-level book, but it is extremely useful for those who want to engage with the current debates on the doctrine of God.

3.     Gerald Bray’s The Attributes of God: An Introduction

Bray’s introduction to the divine attributes is exceptional. The Attributes of God is a helpful resource for those who are beginning to think about the doctrine of God. His book is accessible for all ages. The theological material found within every page maintains a constant balance between being basic and academic. The book does not get too deep for those who are being exposed to this doctrine for the first time, while at the same time, it is written in a manner that is not too light where virtually no one learns anything from the author. Bray’s work is a relatively short book, but it is heavily Scripturally based. I would recommend this book to those who are beginning their journey in thinking about God's attributes, especially to those who are young.

4.     Michael Horton’s The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way

Horton, in his systematic theology The Christian Faith, offers two wonderful chapters on the divine attributes where he divides them into the incommunicable attributes and communicable attributes. Horton is an excellent theologian, and his book is certainly a very useful resource to have in one’s library. One of the reasons for this is his work on the doctrine of God. He engages virtually every passage that relates to each divine attribute in Scripture. Many of his insights are helpful for understanding the doctrine of God as they relate to all theological principles. I would recommend this book to those who are seeking a good, modern systematic theology that engages the classically held divine attributes.

5.     Vern S. Poythress’ The Mystery of the Trinity: A Trinitarian Approach to the Attributes of God

Poythress’ book, The Mystery of the Trinity, engages the doctrine of the Trinity in light of the divine attributes. Poythress does a good job of wrestling with deep theological concepts and making them accessible to the reader. This book is a very helpful tool for those who desire an all-encompassing doctrine of God. Possibly one of the most practical takeaways from reading this book is seeing how the divine attributes inform our understanding of the doctrine of the Trinity and allow us to see God as God. This book truly allows us to bask in the glory of the mystery of the Holy Trinity. I would recommend this book to those who are seeking to add another resource to their library so they may teach the Trinity and the divine attributes in a practical manner.

6.     Craig A. Carter’s Contemplating God with the Great Tradition: Recovering Trinitarian Classical Theism

Carter’s work in Contemplating God with the Great Tradition is extremely valuable for those who are seeking to affirm a Biblical, historical view of the doctrine of God. This book seeks to recover Trinitarian classical theism by engaging with the Great Tradition. The reason why this book is so important is because it enlightens the reader about the current issues of the modern era, where relational theism has risen to greater lengths. In other words, God has become more like man than a God. Carter’s book is a fine addition to one’s library as he best preserves the Creator-creature distinction. Also, Carter's work practically demonstrates how the doctrine of God informs our exegesis by interpreting Isaiah 40-48 within the lens of classical theism. In addition, his 25 theses offer a helpful summary of Trinitarian classical theism. This book is for those who are seeking to grow theologically in their understanding of the doctrine of God.

7.     A.W. Tozer’s The Knowledge of the Holy

Tozer’s book is worth the pay of ambition solely on the basis of his famous statement, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” I thoroughly enjoy reading Tozer’s devotional thoughts on the doctrine of God. His work is written in a manner that is clear and concise for anyone who is willing to dwell on the divine. Tozer describes the divine attributes as “what we know to be true of God.” This helpful treatment of the doctrine of God excites the reader to desire to worship the God of the Bible in all His glory.

8.     J.I. Packer’s Knowing God 

Packer’s book is possibly the most influential and notable works on the doctrine of God within the last fifty years. Packer deals with many of the attributes of God that are confessed in the Christian faith in a manner that is truly spectacular. He does a great job explaining the attributes in light of the gospel and brings the readers before the throne of God so they may come face to face with the great I AM. Ultimately, Packer achieves what he sets out to do because everyone who reads his book leaves knowing God. Before the reader engages with the book, they may know some things about God, but after reading Knowing God, they will have a deeper knowledge of God. However, one of the limitations of this book is its lack of engagement with the incommunicable attributes of God. Regardless, I would highly recommend this book for all ages due to its continual influence and accessible theological structure.

9.     Thomas Joseph White’s The Trinity: On the Nature and Mystery of the One God

White’s book, The Trinity, is a helpful resource for those who are desiring a deep, robust understanding of the doctrine of God. This book is heavily influenced by Thomas Aquinas and his view of the Godhead. It is a helpful Thomistic resource that explains many of Aquinas’ comments in the Summa Theologica. White’s engagement with the divine attributes is truly outstanding. I would only recommend this book to those who are compelled to buy this book as they strive to understand the doctrine of God.

10.  Jordan B. Cooper’s The Doctrine of God: A Defense of Classical Christian Theism

Cooper’s The Doctrine of God is the only book on this list that I have not read yet since it was published at the end of 2023. Currently, I am waiting for this book to arrive. Understandably, it may seem strange that I would reference a book that I do not own or read. So why refer this book and include it in the top 10 list? For years, I have listened to Cooper’s YouTube channel, Just and Sinner, where he discusses various theological subjects by engaging historical and contemporary sources in a manner that is very refreshing. I enjoy listening to his videos and look forward to reading his book on the doctrine of God. I am sure that his book may move up in the rankings, but for now, I would suggest watching some of his videos on the Trinity and divine attributes and then you may decide whether or not you would desire to purchase his book.