I am sorry to report that philosopher and theologian Norman Geisler has died. Geisler stood out as a Protestant who took a broadly Thomist approach to philosophy and theology, and as an evangelical who vigorously defended the classical theist conception of God against the currently fashionable anthropomorphism he aptly labeled “neo-theism” (and which Brian Davies calls “theistic personalism”). Those of us who sympathize with these commitments are in his debt.
The first philosophical or theological event I ever attended was a debate between Geisler and the process theologian John Cobb in Claremont, California in the late 80s. I vividly recall his emphasis on upholding the tradition of “Augustine, Anselm, and Aquinas” against theological innovators like Cobb. It was only years later that I really understood what was at stake in this dispute, but I was impressed by the depth of the philosophical issues that arose in the course of the debate – issues that usually don’t occur to the average believer, but have implications for him all the same.
Geisler’s many important books include his introduction to Aquinas and his critiques of neo-theism Creating God in the Image of Man? and the co-authored The Battle for God. RIP.