Studies in Christian Doctrine and Scripture
‘Taste and see that the Lord is good,’ the Psalmist writes (Psalm 34:8). And to those who called him good, Jesus said, ‘No one is good – except God alone’ (Mark 10:18).
Christopher Holmes explores the divine attribute of goodness by offering a theological interpretation of the Psalter and engaging with the church’s rich theological tradition, especially with the thought of Augustine and Aquinas. He contends that in the very depths of God’s being, God is goodness itself, and goodness is preeminent in God’s nature. Thus, he argues, God not only does good, as seen in the person and work of Jesus Christ, but also is good. Hence, the good that God does – and that God calls us to do – is anchored in the fullness of the good that God is.
Leading us on this journey through the Psalms and the church’s tradition, Holmes helps us to understand what it means to make this simple affirmation: the Lord is good.
‘Taste and see that the Lord is good,’ the Psalmist writes (Psalm 34:8). And to those who called him good, Jesus said, ‘No one is good – except God alone’ (Mark 10:18).
Christopher Holmes explores the divine attribute of goodness by offering a theological interpretation of the Psalter and engaging with the church’s rich theological tradition, especially with the thought of Augustine and Aquinas. He contends that in the very depths of God’s being, God is goodness itself, and goodness is preeminent in God’s nature. Thus, he argues, God not only does good, as seen in the person and work of Jesus Christ, but also is good. Hence, the good that God does – and that God calls us to do – is anchored in the fullness of the good that God is.
Leading us on this journey through the Psalms and the church’s tradition, Holmes helps us to understand what it means to make this simple affirmation: the Lord is good.
