Classical theism

Classical theism is the form of theism in which God is characterized as the singular Absolute Being, Absolute Self, and Ultimate Person who is the source and origin of all the other beings.

Not to be confused with Monotheism.

The central insight of classical theism is divine simplicity, according to which God does not consist of a combination of different elements, but is absolute and singular. There is no difference between God's essence and existence. Unlike entities, God does not contain potentiality, but is pure existential actuality, and all existence except God is in a limited state of the unlimited existence of God's absolute singularity. All existence emanates from and rests on God independently of time, for God is the timeless absolute source and ultimate condition of all existence.^[1]

Characteristics of God[edit]

Aseity[edit]

Just as other theists do,^[2]^: 55 classical theists believe that God is "wholly independent of all else.".^[3] That is, God's existence is not dependent on anything else^[3] and is described as a se, Latin for from himself.^[2]^: 96

Arguments for Classical Theism[edit]

Ontological[edit]

In the understanding of classical theism, God is conceived as the timeless absolute source and unconditional condition of all existence.^[1] The expression ho ou kinoúmenon kineî ("He who moves without being moved") used by Aristotle characterizes God in the classical theistic context,^[1] with the proposal that the movement of the entire universe depends on God. Since, within the classical theistic context, God is not only the source of all material entities but of existence overall, it is the Singular Being that is also the source of consciousness, personality, and self; it is itself conscious, self, and the Absolute Self.^[1]