The Simplicity of God

[athanasius]

I have recently been introduced to the Doctrine of the Simplicity of God. To make this post short, I think I know what the simplicity of God is, but I am not certain. The main question in my mind is why is this doctrine essential in our understanding of Theology Proper?

[Mike Miller]

Because of the modern usage of the word "simple," many are now referring to the doctrine of the simplicity of God as the unity of God. This doctrine means that God is not divided, even though we see His different attributes to differing degrees at different times. This is important in our theology because it emphasizes that all of God's attributes are completely present at all times. All of His attributes are also true of His character in totality. In other words, some would emphasize some attributes as more important than others. For example, many people speak of God as love as if that one attribute were His most significant attribute. However, the simplicity, or unity, of God teaches us that God's wrath, love, holiness, mercy, wisdom, justice, etc. cannot be separated or ranked, as they are all completely part of His total being. This also means that God is not a collection of attributes (a little of this and a little of that). His entire being is entirely loving, entirely wise, entirely just, entirely merciful, etc. at all times.