No One Like Him: The Doctrine of God (Foundations of Evangelical Theology)

I'm critical of John's perspective on some of his writings, but lets ignore that for a second as my own perspective is irrelevant. Feinberg accomplishes here what so few modern theologians do: a humble, nuanced, thorough and emploratory critical analysis of the questions he raises about God. He doesn't merely appeal to authority, or references, or history or tradition. He doesn't simply tell you what others have thought, nor does he mock or appeal to magesterial arguments of one-upmanship like so many other reformed theologians do, arguing as a polemicist instead of an honest explorer who's simply hungry to know what he can't about God's nature. No, Feinberg is the real deal. This book drips with the confessional and heartfelt years of searching that he clearly spent clawing at these issues with fear and trembling. He's not trying to win an argument, though he might do so in the process. He's simply exploring God scripturally, rhetorically, philosophically and honestly. It's wonderfully refreshing. This work deserves to be referenced in the same breath as Acquinnas and Tertullian.

This book was purchased as a textbook for a course I was taking. It is now part of my library. I have included my review of chapter two. Chapter two of No One Like Him: The Doctrine of God deals with the mental understanding and awareness of God. The chapter deals with three main questions concerning God, and the author, John S. Feinberg uses these questions as sub-headings throughout the chapter. He takes on the questions of the nature of God’s reality, God’s role(s) in the universe, and man’s understanding of language about God. He begins the chapter noting, “Human beings are ‘incurably’ religious.” He appeals philosophically to the idea that humans everywhere have the common characteristic of a sense of right and wrong. Feinberg then attempts to guide the reader away from ambiguous words which theists have used to describe God, and instead route the discussion toward his three main questions. What Sort of Reality is God/Does God Have? In answering this first question, the reader is introduced to Ludwig Feuerbach (1804-1872) and Sigmund Freud. Feuerbach embraced the idea of God as a mental projection. This concept seeks to explain God not as one who reveals Himself to man, but as a being invented by man. Feuerbach’s God is one with characteristics and attributes of man. Similarly, Freud saw belief in God as wish fulfillment and the believer as one refusing to face reality. The quest for reality brings the second answer offered by the author, that of God as Being-Itself. Feinberg injects Paul Tillich’s concept that “God is being-itself, but this does not make God a being.” More simply, according to this concept, any attempt to describe God will at best be symbolic only since God transcends all categorization. The concept of God as an immaterial being is explored as a possible third answer to the question of God’s reality. It is during this section that the reader may learn exactly what Feinberg’s beliefs are, “This conception of God in its Christian expression (one God in three persons) is the one I hold and shall elaborate in this book.” What Role(s) Does God Play in Our Universe? In this section the author points to the images, motifs, and metaphors for God found throughout the Bible. God is seen as a father, mother, friend, husband, lover, shepherd, teacher, messenger, and king. None of these compare with God shown as savior, deliverer, and redeemer. These depictions of God found in Scripture show His desire for relationship, and his concern for mankind. Feinberg then turns his attention to God’s transcendence and immanence noting that by addressing these concepts, one can better understand God’s relationship to His creation. Here, the author shows that God is both distinct from, yet very involved in this world. Feinberg states, “...immanence means that God is present to and in the natural order, human nature, and history.” Ultimately, the author promises the reader that in pages yet to come, he will present God as a king who cares. How Should We Understand Language About God? In this section the author ponders several answers to this question. Significant in this portion of the reading is the perception that even though finite creatures may not fully understand a God which is ultimately incomprehensible, these finite creatures can understand certain things about Him. Thus, man may make correct statements about God. This does not lead one to hold that all language about God is metaphorical; even in the use of metaphors, one must know something which is accurate about God. William Alston is cited by Feinberg as the discussion turns to man’s inability to purge his language completely. It is here that Feinberg seems to rest his case—that man truly can be correct in his language about God. He informs the reader that once it is determined whether the language used of God is metaphorical or literal, it can be matched with accurate exegesis and mere men can have meaningful discussion of who God is. Conclusion This chapter is a very deep but meaningful discussion of the concept of God. Its complex ideas have probably not been considered by most. While not an ideal read for everyone, it is guaranteed to make the serious student sense the magnificence of God.

This book really fed me and strengthened my faith. John Feinberg presents God as the King who cares, taking a mediating position between classical theism and process theism. Feinberg surveys the historic and contemporary understandings of who or what God has been thought to be. He discusses the theology of Paul Tillich, Karl Barth, Friedrich Schleiermacher, Immanuel Kant, Albert Ritschl, Hegel, and others. There is also a candid and clear interaction with modernity and postmodernity. He also surveys the ontological, teleological and cosmological arguments for the existence of God. He also surveys the doctrine of the Trinity, and adds to the discussion of the relationship of God to the problem of evil. The Openness of God has been highly debated in evangelical circles, so Feinberg has a lengthy discussion of this theology. He also discusses the relationship of God to the theory of evolution. Feinberg writes in a wonderfully engaging way, and he always shows the utmost respect for the positions he critiques. I loved how it wasn't over my head, and he argues strenuously and persuasively for his own understanding of God. This is an instant classic in evangelical thought. Both lay people and clergy will be highly blessed by this book.

Excellent.

This book represents a very biblical fact about God. There is absolutely "NO ONE LIKE HIM." Feinberg correlates the attributes of God in a very understandable way. I believe this book is a must for all theologians.

This is one of the finest biblical reference books you can invest in. This is a go to book if you want more than a bible commentary. It is well worth the investment. Feinberg is excellent in his analysis. Plus plenty of references to expand your Christian knowledge.

This book's author covers all the views in a balanced way. Yet he also is strong and convincing on the biblical view. He does tend to get wordy and repetitive in parts.

Exactly as described. Great reading and very helpful in my studies. A great addition to my library. Very beneficial to my ministry

Up until now I've used this as a reference book, reading only parts of it from what interested me from the table of contents and I've found it to be very informative from a layman's perspective.

Help to lay a good foundation of understanding the concept of the Christian God.

I'm critical of John's perspective on some of his writings, but lets ignore that for a second as my own perspective is irrelevant. Feinberg accomplishes here what so few modern theologians do: a humble, nuanced, thorough and emploratory critical analysis of the questions he raises about God. He doesn't merely appeal to authority, or references, or history or tradition. He doesn't simply tell you what others have thought, nor does he mock or appeal to magesterial arguments of one-upmanship like so many other reformed theologians do, arguing as a polemicist instead of an honest explorer who's simply hungry to know what he can't about God's nature. No, Feinberg is the real deal. This book drips with the confessional and heartfelt years of searching that he clearly spent clawing at these issues with fear and trembling. He's not trying to win an argument, though he might do so in the process. He's simply exploring God scripturally, rhetorically, philosophically and honestly. It's wonderfully refreshing. This work deserves to be referenced in the same breath as Acquinnas and Tertullian.

This book was purchased as a textbook for a course I was taking. It is now part of my library. I have included my review of chapter two. Chapter two of No One Like Him: The Doctrine of God deals with the mental understanding and awareness of God. The chapter deals with three main questions concerning God, and the author, John S. Feinberg uses these questions as sub-headings throughout the chapter. He takes on the questions of the nature of God’s reality, God’s role(s) in the universe, and man’s understanding of language about God. He begins the chapter noting, “Human beings are ‘incurably’ religious.” He appeals philosophically to the idea that humans everywhere have the common characteristic of a sense of right and wrong. Feinberg then attempts to guide the reader away from ambiguous words which theists have used to describe God, and instead route the discussion toward his three main questions. What Sort of Reality is God/Does God Have? In answering this first question, the reader is introduced to Ludwig Feuerbach (1804-1872) and Sigmund Freud. Feuerbach embraced the idea of God as a mental projection. This concept seeks to explain God not as one who reveals Himself to man, but as a being invented by man. Feuerbach’s God is one with characteristics and attributes of man. Similarly, Freud saw belief in God as wish fulfillment and the believer as one refusing to face reality. The quest for reality brings the second answer offered by the author, that of God as Being-Itself. Feinberg injects Paul Tillich’s concept that “God is being-itself, but this does not make God a being.” More simply, according to this concept, any attempt to describe God will at best be symbolic only since God transcends all categorization. The concept of God as an immaterial being is explored as a possible third answer to the question of God’s reality. It is during this section that the reader may learn exactly what Feinberg’s beliefs are, “This conception of God in its Christian expression (one God in three persons) is the one I hold and shall elaborate in this book.” What Role(s) Does God Play in Our Universe? In this section the author points to the images, motifs, and metaphors for God found throughout the Bible. God is seen as a father, mother, friend, husband, lover, shepherd, teacher, messenger, and king. None of these compare with God shown as savior, deliverer, and redeemer. These depictions of God found in Scripture show His desire for relationship, and his concern for mankind. Feinberg then turns his attention to God’s transcendence and immanence noting that by addressing these concepts, one can better understand God’s relationship to His creation. Here, the author shows that God is both distinct from, yet very involved in this world. Feinberg states, “...immanence means that God is present to and in the natural order, human nature, and history.” Ultimately, the author promises the reader that in pages yet to come, he will present God as a king who cares. How Should We Understand Language About God? In this section the author ponders several answers to this question. Significant in this portion of the reading is the perception that even though finite creatures may not fully understand a God which is ultimately incomprehensible, these finite creatures can understand certain things about Him. Thus, man may make correct statements about God. This does not lead one to hold that all language about God is metaphorical; even in the use of metaphors, one must know something which is accurate about God. William Alston is cited by Feinberg as the discussion turns to man’s inability to purge his language completely. It is here that Feinberg seems to rest his case—that man truly can be correct in his language about God. He informs the reader that once it is determined whether the language used of God is metaphorical or literal, it can be matched with accurate exegesis and mere men can have meaningful discussion of who God is. Conclusion This chapter is a very deep but meaningful discussion of the concept of God. Its complex ideas have probably not been considered by most. While not an ideal read for everyone, it is guaranteed to make the serious student sense the magnificence of God.

This book really fed me and strengthened my faith. John Feinberg presents God as the King who cares, taking a mediating position between classical theism and process theism. Feinberg surveys the historic and contemporary understandings of who or what God has been thought to be. He discusses the theology of Paul Tillich, Karl Barth, Friedrich Schleiermacher, Immanuel Kant, Albert Ritschl, Hegel, and others. There is also a candid and clear interaction with modernity and postmodernity. He also surveys the ontological, teleological and cosmological arguments for the existence of God. He also surveys the doctrine of the Trinity, and adds to the discussion of the relationship of God to the problem of evil. The Openness of God has been highly debated in evangelical circles, so Feinberg has a lengthy discussion of this theology. He also discusses the relationship of God to the theory of evolution. Feinberg writes in a wonderfully engaging way, and he always shows the utmost respect for the positions he critiques. I loved how it wasn't over my head, and he argues strenuously and persuasively for his own understanding of God. This is an instant classic in evangelical thought. Both lay people and clergy will be highly blessed by this book.

Excellent.

This book represents a very biblical fact about God. There is absolutely "NO ONE LIKE HIM." Feinberg correlates the attributes of God in a very understandable way. I believe this book is a must for all theologians.

This is one of the finest biblical reference books you can invest in. This is a go to book if you want more than a bible commentary. It is well worth the investment. Feinberg is excellent in his analysis. Plus plenty of references to expand your Christian knowledge.

This book's author covers all the views in a balanced way. Yet he also is strong and convincing on the biblical view. He does tend to get wordy and repetitive in parts.

Exactly as described. Great reading and very helpful in my studies. A great addition to my library. Very beneficial to my ministry

Up until now I've used this as a reference book, reading only parts of it from what interested me from the table of contents and I've found it to be very informative from a layman's perspective.

Help to lay a good foundation of understanding the concept of the Christian God.

I am completely satisfied and fast delivery a plus!

Great study book. Price and quality five stars!

Great book!

Some chapters are written in an ostentatious manner that makes reading for the average or moderately above average person difficult to read. However, the depth is very helpful and informative once the sense of it can be captured. Writers such as Feinberg have so much to share that is worthwhile that it is a shame they feel the need to write for college officials who may promote them or hire them to higher levels due to their elevated style.

Too philosophical for my blood. Mr. Feinberg will say that the text of Scripture should drive our conclusions, and then goes on to discuss different philosophical views about the attributes of God with the result that he comes to some of his own conclusions from those philosophical arguments. But, it is still a good reference work when Scripture is used.

Clear & concise and using language that the laity can understand.

This book is great reading and the pricing was affordoble. It was shiped to me in great condition. I would do business with this merchant again Thank you

This book is what I used to prove to my doctor that I have narcolepsy...

No One Like Him is the most comprehensive and contemporary work currently available in Evangelical (systematic) theology proper. The author, Dr John Feinberg, Chairman and Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (and my doctoral advisor), not only brings readers into contact with the core historical positions grounding evangelical theology, but significantly emphasizes more contemporary questions within evangelical theology including the perspectives of divine temporality and process theology, both issues regarding which Feinberg has published major previous works. This may very well be the most thorough and current work dealing with the increasingly popular Process Theology from an Evangelical Perspective. This massive 800 page theology text treats thoroughly the 'Being and Nature of God' and 'Acts of God', as well as humanity's 'Concepts of God' wherein trends in contemporary **thought** are analysed and evaluated. If you want to swim in the deep end with a trusted instructor, I thoroughly recommend this text. This volume is one of 10 planned for the 'Foundations of Evangelical Theology' series. Future contributing authors will include Bruce Demarest, David C Clark, Kevin Van Hoozer, and Walter Kaiser. Happy reading. Happy Learning. Happy thinking. sdf

The King who cares. This is the appellation given by Feinberg to God at the beginning of his monumental tome. He argues that this is a necessary response to the concerns raised by both Openness and Process Theology and rightly so. The distant, impassive God of much classical Christian Theology has little appeal to today's relational culture. A theology which features an immanent, caring God while remaining thoroughly orthodox is much needed. Unfortunately this book fails to deliver. Part way through, Feinberg begins addressing topics which have a direct bearing on the classic Calvinist-Arminian debate and from that point on things start to unravel. Zealous to defend his own brand of moderate Calvinism, Feinberg loses sight of his "King who cares" motif and instead paints a picture of God that is not significantly different from every other Calvinist theology on the market. Since this is, in large part, exactly what Openness and Process theologians were reacting against in the first place, it is difficult to see how this adds anything useful to the debate. Feinberg is at his weakest when analyzing the arguments for and against a given position. This is not due solely to the occasional less-than-even-handed way he deals with positions he does not agree with, but also to his somewhat clunky prose. His handling of Biblical evidence is also irritating. While it is important, even paramount, to assess the Biblical data on a given subject, those sections of the book seem to be assembled with a concordance and a handy suply of conjunctions with little thought put into the arrangement of the evidence. Still, there are moments of brilliance. Feinberg's exposition of the various ideas and the history behind them is handled with all the skill of a natural born teacher. This alone would make the read worthwhile. In addition to that, however, the number and diversity of the sources he assembles is impressive and makes this book a perfect jumping-off point for anyone interested in learning more about the subject.