"Western Concepts of God" is an in-depth analysis of how the concept of God has been understood and debated within Western philosophy and theology. The book examines a range of perspectives from ancient Greek philosophy to contemporary theological discourse, including Platonic, Aristotelian, Christian, and modern secular views of God.
The book traces how these Western conceptions of God—whether as a distant creator, an involved personal deity, or an abstract force—have evolved over time. It discusses key figures like Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Descartes, and Spinoza, providing a detailed account of how each thinker contributed to shaping Western notions of divinity.
A significant portion of the book also contrasts these Western ideas with the Islamic understanding of God as outlined in the Qur'an and Islamic philosophy. It highlights how Islam's strict monotheism (Tawheed) differs fundamentally from the Christian Trinity, the deistic notions in Enlightenment thinking, and the secular, impersonal force conceptions in modern Western thought.
By presenting these contrasting views, the book invites readers to consider the different ways in which God has been perceived and the implications these perceptions have had on faith, spirituality, and ethics in Western and Islamic traditions.
This book is ideal for readers interested in comparative religion, philosophy of religion, and the dialogue between Western and Islamic thought.