Olson provides an intriguing read in what he considers be to be the central challenge in articulating the nature of God from theologically Christian worldview, that is, the conundrum that exists between God's immanence and His transcendence. Olson attempts to show how Christian theologians from the Enlightenment to our modern times tried to reconcile these two seemingly disparate aspects of God's nature.

He engages with such philosophical and theological personalities as Hegel, Ritschl, Bultmann, Niebur, Tillich, Bonhoeffer, Moltmann, Rahner Ramm, and engages with varying theologies as Process, Liberation, and Feminism.

An excellent read for one who seek to understand the central issue theologians tried to resolve respecting both God seeming absence and presence in the history, the major players who sought a resolution, and how they articulated their views. Olson supplies his own critical evaluation after each section.

This book is a must read for anyone seeking to understand how God was understood throughout modern history, the thoughts of major players in the field of theology, and how it affects our understanding of God today. ( )

Doctrinal Theology