Classical Theism

1) Five Proofs of the Existence of God  by Dr. Edward Feser

• Read this to understand five philosophical arguments for the God of classical theism.
• Feser provides a thorough philosophical defense of five proofs of the existence of God. He combats the common atheist retort, “Well even if your argument works it doesn’t show the conclusion is God. It could be something else.” Feser derives the divine attributes philosophically at the end of each argument. Additionally, he includes a great chapter that responds to all of the common atheistic replies to arguments like his. This book is the new gold standard for defending the existence of God from natural reason. You will work hard to understand it all, and you will benefit greatly.

2) The Unchanging God of Love: Thomas Aquinas and Contemporary Theology on Divine Immutability by Fr. Michael Dodds O.P.

• Read this for an important exposition of the doctrine of divine immutability and responses to many objections.
• Fr. Michael Dodds discusses many details of Aquinas’ account of immutability and answers all of the standard objections that arise. He shows how an unchanging God is compatible with creation, incarnation, and a God who is love.

3) God without Parts: Divine Simplicity and the Metaphysics of God’s Absoluteness by Dr. James Dolezal

• Read this for an exposition and defense of divine simplicity, which is one of the hallmarks of classical theism that makes it distinct from other brands of theism.
• Dr. James Dolezal has been a popular guest on the classical theism podcast. In this work, he gives a scholarly defense of divine simplicity. He engages many objections and explains how typical objections often rest on univocal thinking which fails to properly distinguish God and creatures.

4) The Reality of God and the Problem of Evil by Fr. Brian Davies O.P. (“Davies” is pronounced “Day-vis”)

• Read this to find out how a consistent classical theist can approach the problem of evil differently than other theists.
• This book shook me to the core. Fr. Davies tackles the problem of evil in a way you have probably never heard. The book is advanced, but you will learn a lot. Check out this blog post for some details.

5) How Reason Can Lead to God by Dr. Josh Rasmussen

• Read this book for an updated and well-argued contingency argument for God’s existence written in a cordial tone.
• This is a book you could give to any skeptic or atheist. Dr. Rasmussen writes politely and philosophically as he presents powerful evidence for the truth the foundation of reality is a necessary, perfect being.

6) Proofs of God: Classical Arguments from Tertullian to Barth by Dr. Matthew Levering

• Read this book for well-sourced scholarly summaries of 21 different thinkers who discussed proofs of God’s existence.
• Dr. Levering summarizes important insights from 21 thinkers on the topic of natural theology. Also, he ends each chapter with a conclusion where he evaluates the different views. Helpfully, the book is well-sourced with abundant footnotes that will lead you to more books/articles on particular thinkers.

7) God Matters by Fr. Herbert McCabe O.P.

• Read this book to learn the thought of an outstanding 20th century Thomistic thinker.
• Fr. Herbert McCabe held to a strong apophatic position regarding God and also helped to expound the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas. He was a tremendous influence on Fr. Brian Davies. The essays on creation and evil are particularly intriguing. Throughout his work, Fr. McCabe emphasizes the mystery of God and how we cannot think of God as just another item in the universe or alongside it.

8) New Proofs for the Existence of God: Contributions of Contemporary Physics and Philosophy by Fr. Robert Spitzer

• Read this book for a defense of several philosophical arguments for God’s existence supported by scientific evidence.
• Fr. Spitzer explains and defends a contingency argument, kalam cosmological argument, and fine-tuning argument. Also, he includes an extensive, advanced chapter on the argument for God proposed by Fr. Bernard Lonergan S.J.

9) Aquinas (Beginner’s Guides) by Dr. Edward Feser

• Read this to understand the philosophy of Aquinas and his arguments for God’s existence. 
• A thorough, challenging introduction to the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas. You will learn a lot from this book. You have to work hard to understand it all, but you will come away with a rich understanding of Thomistic thought. Feser is simply a great writer and defender of scholastic ideas.

10) Does God Exist? A Socratic Dialogue on the Five Ways of St. Thomas Aquinas by Matt Fradd and Dr. Robert A. Delfino

• Read this for an engaging dialogue on the Five Ways that introduces important scholastic terminology.
• This book was a page-turner with its dialogue format. AJ (the atheist) squares off with Lucy (the theist) as they go through all five of Aquinas’ ways. Many objections to the Five Ways, both superficial and serious, are dealt with in the dialogue. Also, the book includes a helpful glossary of technical terminology.

11) Answering Atheism by Trent Horn

• Read this to increase your knowledge of arguments for God. 
• A solid survey and defense of arguments for God’s existence. This book is accessible to all levels, yet it has footnotes and appendices that will delight those searching for more advanced material.

12) Neo-Scholastic Essays  by Dr. Edward Feser 

• Read this to see a scholarly defense of positions held by Aquinas and other Scholastics on various topics relevant to apologetics. 
• A rewarding yet challenging collection of essays. This book covers Feser’s excellent work on final causality, proofs for God’s existence, philosophy of mind, and sexual ethics. You will need to take notes. You will greatly increase your knowledge on these subjects.