God Is Impassible and Impassioned Toward A Theology Of Divine Emotion

Contemporary theologians have mostly abandoned the doctrine of divine impassibility of earlier centuries, and in its place affirm divine passibility, exploring the significance of God's emotional experience, especially the question of divine suffering. Rob Lister engages with this important theological issue, arguing that God's nature is fundamentally impassible and yet profoundly impassioned. After outlining the history of the doctrine in the views of influential figures such as Augustine, Aquinas and Luther, Lister carefully examines modernity's growing rejection of impassibility and subsequent evangelical responses. With regard for holistic synthesis, Lister proposes a theological model based on fresh insights into the historical, biblical and theological dimensions of this key doctrine. He also pays specific attention to important Christological implications. Lister's stimulating analysis will be of value to all with a serious interest in this challenging subject and the related issues.