Truth Not Served by Human Hands
Retrieving the Knowledge of God in Reformed Thomism
Published on 11. November 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
978-1-5271-1363-3 (ISBN)
Description
In Truth Not Served by Human Hands, Timothy A. Gatewood offers a profound exploration of the relationship between God and truth, rooted in Thomistic theology and classical theism. He presents a participatory theory of truth, emphasizing that all creaturely truth originates from and participates in the First Truth-God Himself. ?
By retrieving and adapting Thomas Aquinas's doctrine of the divine intellect, Gatewood challenges modern and postmodern philosophical assumptions, advocating for a return to classical theological frameworks to rediscover objective, knowable truth. The book defends classical doctrines such as divine simplicity, immutability, and aseity, while engaging with alternative models of theism.
Structured into three sections, the book begins by examining the relationship between divinity and truth, and the necessity of theological retrieval to bridge the metaphysical-epistemological divide. It contrasts classical theism with theistic mutualism, highlighting implications for divine omniscience and truth.
The second section traces the historical and conceptual development of Reformed Thomism, showcasing its influence on Protestantism, Reformed Scholasticism, and Puritan thought.
The final section provides a detailed exposition of Thomistic participation, the divine intellect, and the divine Ideas, culminating in a participatory model of truth. ?
This book addresses key doctrines such as divine simplicity, transcendence, and the analogy of being, offering a robust defense of classical theism against modern and postmodern perspectives. ? It reassures readers of the objective existence of truth, its knowability, and its grounding in God's eternal wisdom. ?
Perfect for theologians, philosophers, and seekers of truth, it bridges historical insights with contemporary discourse, enriching the understanding of God, truth, and creation. ? With pastoral applications, it encourages personal growth and alignment with divine reality, offering hope and clarity in a fragmented world. Ideal for anyone seeking to rediscover the joy of knowing and participating in divine truth, goodness, and beauty. ?
By retrieving and adapting Thomas Aquinas's doctrine of the divine intellect, Gatewood challenges modern and postmodern philosophical assumptions, advocating for a return to classical theological frameworks to rediscover objective, knowable truth. The book defends classical doctrines such as divine simplicity, immutability, and aseity, while engaging with alternative models of theism.
Structured into three sections, the book begins by examining the relationship between divinity and truth, and the necessity of theological retrieval to bridge the metaphysical-epistemological divide. It contrasts classical theism with theistic mutualism, highlighting implications for divine omniscience and truth.
The second section traces the historical and conceptual development of Reformed Thomism, showcasing its influence on Protestantism, Reformed Scholasticism, and Puritan thought.
The final section provides a detailed exposition of Thomistic participation, the divine intellect, and the divine Ideas, culminating in a participatory model of truth. ?
This book addresses key doctrines such as divine simplicity, transcendence, and the analogy of being, offering a robust defense of classical theism against modern and postmodern perspectives. ? It reassures readers of the objective existence of truth, its knowability, and its grounding in God's eternal wisdom. ?
Perfect for theologians, philosophers, and seekers of truth, it bridges historical insights with contemporary discourse, enriching the understanding of God, truth, and creation. ? With pastoral applications, it encourages personal growth and alignment with divine reality, offering hope and clarity in a fragmented world. Ideal for anyone seeking to rediscover the joy of knowing and participating in divine truth, goodness, and beauty. ?
Reviews / Votes
"... extraordinary ... brilliantly shows that Aquinas's doctrine of God is biblically and philosophically sound. Gatewood's presentation of complex topics in Aquinas is accurate and pellucid, and his love of the living God, revealed in Christ, is inspiring.
"Matthew Levering
"
A helpful and illuminating study that reminds us that truth, goodness, and beauty can never be separated from each other - or God.
"Gavin Ortlund
"
A Protestant retrieval of Thomism may be just what a secular world needs to save it from skepticism and relativism. If you think that is crazy, read this book and think again.
"Craig Carter
"
Dr. Timothy Gatewood's work addresses two problems found at the crossroads of theology proper and epistemology... It offers a clear and cogent defense that serves the larger agenda of theological retrieval.
"Thor Madsen
"
Well written, incisive, and nuanced in its judgements, Gatewood's book masterfully fills a gap in contemporary theological scholarship by reminding us of the importance of the classical doctrine of God for defining Truth and grounding epistemology.
"Christopher Holmes
"
...A serious addition to the library being written by an elite cadre of evangelical theologians who recognize the classical tradition... If you have even the slightest interest in the truth, you will acquire and consume Gatewood's book.
"Malcolm B. Yarnell III
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Tain
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Christian Focus Publications Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Product notice
Paperback (UK-trade)
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 138 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
408 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5271-1363-3 (9781527113633)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Timothy Gatewood is the Director of Spiritual Formation at Hartfield Academy in Flowood, Mississippi. He serves Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary as an adjunct professor of theology and is an elder candidate at Grace City Church in Jackson. He and his wife, Beth, have three sons.