In this two-part series, I explain and assess arguments for classical theism. In a separate two-part series, I'll examine arguments against classical theism. NOTE (ADDED 3/21/26): This video represented my views at the time of recording. Some of my views have changed since then, but I'm leaving the video up because it contains lots of helpful information, and also shows my thinking at the time. Salem's channel, Inspiring Christianity: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCykfZI08vni-qjD0rI1yv4g/videos Like the show? Help it grow! Consider becoming a patron (thanks!): https://www.patreon.com/majestyofreason​ If you wanna make a one-time donation or tip (thanks!): https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/josephcschmid Outline for Part 1: 1 Purpose and Dialectic 2 Models of God: Classical and Neo-classical Theism 2.1 A closer look 3 Motivations for Classical Theism: A survey 3.1 Euthyphro Dilemma 3.2 Securing monotheism 3.3 Aseity 3.4 Theological 3.4.1 Preserving Trinitarianism 3.4.2 Tradition, Authority, Magisterium 3.4.3 Biblical 3.5 Natural Theology 3.5.1 Feser 3.5.1.1 Aristotelian 3.5.1.2 Neo-Platonic 3.5.1.3 Augustinian 3.5.1.4 Thomistic 3.5.1.5 Rationalist 3.5.2 The Five Ways 3.5.2.1 First Way 3.5.2.2 Second Way 3.5.2.3 Third Way 3.5.2.4 Fourth Way 3.5.2.5 Fifth Way 3.5.3 Aquinas’s De Ente Argument 0:00 Intro 2:10 Outline 2:44 Purpose and Dialectic 8:50 Models of God & DDS 20:49 Motivations for CT 23:38 Euthyphro Dilemma 34:45 Securing Monotheism 43:35 Aseity 52:12 Preserving Trinitarianism 54:45 Tradition and Magisterium 55:42 Biblical Arguments 58:56 Natural Theology - Feser 1:04:26 Aristotelian Proof 1:24:55 Neo-Platonic Proof 1:36:35 Augustinian Proof 1:48:59 Thomistic proof 1:53:20 Rationalist Proof 1:55:56 The Five Ways 1:56:50 First Way 2:02:47 Second Way 2:03:08 Third Way 2:04:03 Fourth Way 2:04:44 Fifth Way 2:11:52 Aquinas’s De Ente Argument 2:52:20 Q&A Note: The Link to the document is removed because it is under significant construction for my series "Arguments Against Classical Theism". The link will be placed in the description of the latest video in that series. Note on defining 'classical theism': there is some controversy over how to define classical theism. It's going to be difficult to find unanimous support for certain theses across all traditions (e.g. Eastern traditions like (strands of) Hinduism, Eastern Orthodox and Palamite traditions, Islamic and Jewish traditions, Western Christian traditions, etc.). The definition of classical theism I use (which follows classical theist scholars like Rogers, Brower, Grant, Bergmann, Dolezal, Stump, and so on) is broadly situated in the tradition following Augustine, Boethius, Lombard, Maimonides, Anselm, Aquinas, etc. and on through contemporary thinkers like Kate Rogers and W. Matthews Grant. I focus less on versions/variations of classical theism found in (e.g.) Scotus, Palamas, and so on. [Though, note that the vast majority of things I say in this series of videos apply mutatis mutandis to such variations.] And the usual links: My book: https://www.amazon.com/Majesty-Reason-Critical-Thinking-Philosophy-ebook/dp/B086G7KS52 My website: https://majestyofreason.wordpress.com/