The One God

The One God is a theological treatise written by Dominican priest and philosopher Réginald Garrigou-Lagrange, first published in French in 1950. The book presents a systematic examination of God's existence and nature according to Thomistic principles and Catholic doctrine. The work follows a structured approach, beginning with proofs of God's existence and proceeding through discussions of divine attributes like simplicity, perfection, goodness, and infinity. It addresses key theological concepts including God's knowledge, will, providence, and predestination through the lens of classical metaphysics. Garrigou-Lagrange engages with both historical and contemporary philosophical arguments throughout the text, drawing heavily on the works of Thomas Aquinas while responding to modern objections. The book incorporates extensive analysis of scripture passages alongside philosophical reasoning to build its theological framework. The text stands as a comprehensive defense of traditional Catholic theology against modernist interpretations, emphasizing the harmony between faith and reason in understanding the divine nature. Its systematic method and rigorous philosophical approach reflect broader themes about the relationship between human intellect and religious truth.

Readers describe The One God as an advanced theological text that requires significant background in Catholic philosophy and Thomistic thought. Multiple reviewers note it functions better as a reference work than a cover-to-cover read. Liked: - Comprehensive treatment of Thomas Aquinas' theology - In-depth analysis of God's attributes and nature - Clear rebuttals to opposing philosophical views - Helpful citations and references Disliked: - Dense academic language makes it inaccessible for beginners - Latin passages left untranslated - Repetitive arguments in some sections - Limited practical applications "Not for the faint of heart but worth the effort" notes one Amazon reviewer. Several readers mention needing to re-read passages multiple times to grasp the concepts. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.59/5 (22 ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (15 ratings) The low number of total reviews suggests this remains primarily an academic text rather than one aimed at general readers.

God: His Existence and His Nature by Réginald Garrigou-Lagrange This work presents thomistic metaphysics and natural theology through systematic philosophical argumentation.

Introduction to the Philosophy of Being by George P. Klubertanz The text builds a foundation for understanding metaphysical concepts through thomistic principles and classical philosophical reasoning.

The Christian Philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas by Etienne Gilson This exposition connects Aquinas's metaphysics to his theology through examination of primary texts and philosophical concepts.

Reality: A Synthesis of Thomistic Thought by Réginald Garrigou-Lagrange The book presents thomistic philosophy as an integrated system of thought connecting metaphysics, natural theology, and revelation.

The One and the Many: A Contemporary Thomistic Metaphysics by W. Norris Clarke This work applies classical thomistic principles to contemporary philosophical questions about being, causality, and the nature of God.

🔵 Réginald Garrigou-Lagrange was one of the most influential Catholic theologians of the 20th century, serving as a doctoral advisor to the future Pope John Paul II. 🔵 The One God (originally published as Dieu: Son Existence et Sa Nature) represents the author's systematic defense of classical Thomistic philosophy, particularly focusing on St. Thomas Aquinas's "Five Ways" of proving God's existence. 🔵 The book pioneered a renewed interest in scholastic theology during the early-to-mid 20th century and became a standard text in many Catholic seminaries worldwide. 🔵 Garrigou-Lagrange wrote this work partially in response to the rise of modernism in Catholic theology, defending traditional metaphysical approaches against newer philosophical movements. 🔵 The author's analysis of divine simplicity in The One God influenced several generations of Catholic philosophers and theologians, including Étienne Gilson and Jacques Maritain.