ECPA Top Shelf Book Cover Award The Christian claim that the triune God is the creator of the universe is both exegetically grounded and theologically rich. Yet discussions about God's work of creation are often overwhelmed by questions such as the age of the earth and the relationship between divine creation and evolution. Without completely ignoring such issues, Peter Leithart offers a decidedly theological interpretation of the creation account from Genesis 1. By engaging with classic discussions of creation, including those of Plato and Aristotle, as well as Christian articulations as varied as those of Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, Sergius Bulgakov, Karl Barth and Robert Jenson, Leithart embraces the challenge of talking about God and God's first work. Here, readers will discover what it means to articulate a theology that is rigorously grounded in the first chapter of the Bible and the creedal affirmation of God the Father almighty, who is the creator of the heavens and earth.
"'Let there be' an advance in the doctrine of God debates! Leithart moves the conversation forward through his learned exposition of Greek metaphysics, critical analysis of perceived tensions in Thomas Aquinas's thought, exhilarating theological exegesis of the opening lines of Scripture, and proposals for how classical theism could be more thoroughly evangelized. He invites us to revisit (or revise) popular construals of simplicity through the doctrine of the Creator. It is that God, and that God only, whom we know and with whom we have to deal. Benefit from this exercise of 'scriptural purification'-Leithart's iconoclastic effort to demolish conceptual idols that run from the language of God's revelation in the Bible."
James R. Wood, assistant professor of ministry at Redeemer University
"In Creator, Peter Leithart guides the reader through a profound reflection on the foundational creation account of the Scriptures, Genesis 1. Framed by an exploration of the Greek philosophical tradition and the church's relation to it, Leithart calls the church to take our stand 'in the beginning,' at the place where 'God created,' and from there to receive the Word of the triune God. Through his lively prose, Leithart challenges the church to ground our theological reflection in the doctrine of creation, which means to adopt a heart of childlike trust in the Word of the Creator."
Joel Lawrence, executive director of the Center for Pastor Theologians
"Few prolific theologians are always worth reading, but Peter Leithart is the rare exception. Here he explores and praises the triune Creator in critical dialogue with the recent turn to Aquinas in some Reformed and Catholic circles. His construal of Aquinas's perspective is itself worth the price of the book and will stimulate a rich debate!"
Matthew Levering, James N. Jr. and Mary D. Perry Chair of Theology at Mundelein Seminary
