Truth Not Served by Human Hands: Retrieving the Knowledge of God in Reformed Thomism

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. ​

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.