Truth Not Served by Human Hands

Retrieving the Knowledge of God in Reformed Thomism

Timothy A. Gatewood

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This product will be available on November 11th, 2025

Description

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. ​

Endorsements

...A serious addition to the library being written by an elite cadre of evangelical theologians who recognize the classical tradition... If you have even the slightest interest in the truth, you will acquire and consume Gatewood’s book.

Malcolm B. Yarnell III
Research Professor of Theology, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas

Well written, incisive, and nuanced in its judgements, Gatewood’s book masterfully fills a gap in contemporary theological scholarship by reminding us of the importance of the classical doctrine of God for defining Truth and grounding epistemology.

Christopher Holmes
Professor of Systematic Theology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand

Dr. Timothy Gatewood’s work addresses two problems found at the crossroads of theology proper and epistemology... It offers a clear and cogent defense that serves the larger agenda of theological retrieval. 

Thor Madsen
Professor of New Testament, Ethics and Philosophy, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City, Missouri

A Protestant retrieval of Thomism may be just what a secular world needs to save it from skepticism and relativism. If you think that is crazy, read this book and think again.

Craig Carter
Craig Carter, Theologian in Residence, Westney Heights Baptist Church, Ajax, Ontario

A helpful and illuminating study that reminds us that truth, goodness, and beauty can never be separated from each other – or God.

Gavin Ortlund
Founder, Truth Unites

… extraordinary … brilliantly shows that Aquinas’s doctrine of God is biblically and philosophically sound. Gatewood’s presentation of complex topics in Aquinas is accurate and pellucid, and his love of the living God, revealed in Christ, is inspiring.

Matthew Levering
James N. Jr. and Mary D. Perry Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary, Mundelein, Illinois

Author

Timothy A. Gatewood

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.

Specifications

ISBN 9781527113633

Author Timothy A. Gatewood

Imprint Mentor

Category Theology

Series Reformed Exegetical Doctrinal Studies series

Format Paperback

Page Count 304

Width 5.4330738 in

Height 8.5039416 in

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