Though doctrines such as divine simplicity and divine impassibility were embraced by early Christians with near universality, they have been largely forgotten and supplanted in the modern church. Where "classical theists" portrayed God as supremely transcendent, God also seemed, at times, distant and unknowable. By contrast, contemporary Christians generally insist on having a personal, dynamic relationship with God. Where ancient Christians tended to emphasize God's transcendence, modern Christians tend to emphasize God's immanence.

What made the doctrines of classical theism attractive and compelling to early Christians? What arguments were given in their defense? What conclusions did they yield about the human knowledge of God? More importantly, should the doctrines of classical theism be revived or rejected? Thinkers such as Clement of Alexandria, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Steven Charnock, and Karl Barth are asked for answers.