Divine Attributes: Knowing the Covenantal God of Scripture - Paperback

by John C. Peckham (Author)

This book offers a clear and constructive account of the nature and attributes of God. It addresses the doctrine of God from exegetical, historical, and constructive-theological perspectives, bringing the biblical portrayal of God in relationship to the world into dialogue with prominent philosophical and theological questions. The book engages questions such as: Does God change? Does God have emotions? Does God know the future? Is God entirely good and loving? How can God be one and three? Chapters correspond to the major metaphysical and moral attributes of God.

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"A highly sophisticated and fine-tuned account of the divine attributes"

John Peckham offers a clear and constructive account of the nature and attributes of God, bringing the biblical portrayal of God in relationship to the world into dialogue with prominent philosophical and theological questions.

"Divine attribution is often overlooked in its importance for Christian reflection, but it is critical to reckon with the identity and character of the One Christians worship. Peckham's book provides an accessible framework for this topic, all the while demonstrating a resounding attentiveness to the biblical witness as contemporary discussions are judiciously elaborated."
--Daniel Castelo, Seattle Pacific University and Seminary

"In this rich and careful depiction of the canonical God, Peckham paints for us the holistic portrait of God beholden to neither strict classical theism nor open theism. By tracing the native Hebraic logic of covenantal theism throughout the Old and New Testaments, many conflicts and paradoxes fade into the coherent structure of the canon's thinking. For theologians, biblical scholars, and students, this prudent volume will reward all who feast upon it. This is compulsory reading for any theologian who seeks to make necessary connections with the biblical texts."
--Dru Johnson, Center for Hebraic Thought, The King's College, New York City; former cohost of the OnScript podcast

"A highly sophisticated and fine-tuned account of the divine attributes. While properly engaging ancient discussions about the 'God of the Philosophers' and the current systematic and philosophical theological critiques of the 'God of Classical Theism, ' Peckham allows Scripture to be the source, norm, and final arbiter. Thereby, this fine study avoids the trap of attempting a description of the living God of the Bible in abstract, half-empty formal terms; instead, a dynamic, inviting, and spiritually nourishing testimony to who God is and what God does emerges out of a careful exegetical-systematic reflection."
--Veli-Matti K舐kk臺nen, Fuller Theological Seminary and University of Helsinki

"This volume on the divine attributes and 'covenantal theism' is a superb work of theology. It is thorough, nuanced, and balanced. Peckham is both winsome and bold: he winsomely engages important age-old and more recent theological conversations and controversies, and he boldly challenges certain theological positions while confidently articulating and defending the considerable merits of covenantal theism."
--Paul Copan, Palm Beach Atlantic University; author of Loving Wisdom: A Guide to Philosophy and Christian Faith

Author Biography

John C. Peckham (PhD, Andrews University) is professor of theology and Christian philosophy at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. He is the author of several books, including Theodicy of Love, The Doctrine of God, The Love of God: A Canonical Model, and Canonical Theology.