The Crossway Podcast The Forgotten Yet Foundational Doctrine of Aseity (Samuel Parkison)
Jan 19, 2026
Samuel Parkinson, an associate professor of theology and author, dives into the fascinating doctrine of God's aseity—His self-existence and independence. He contrasts it with traditional views of God, emphasizing its importance for deepening worship. Parkinson shares how a child's question sparked deeper theological inquiry and highlights biblical foundations like Exodus 3. He also explores the mysteries of the Trinity and Christ’s dual nature, affirming that understanding aseity enriches our relationship with God, underscoring His grace and warmth.
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God Is Life In Himself
- Aseity means God has life in himself, not merely independence from creation.
- God is the plentitude of life, brimming with self-sufficient abundance that grounds all else.
Value Contemplation As An End
- Resist treating theological contemplation as only a means to practical outcomes.
- Set aside time to meditate on God because contemplation is the lifeblood of worship.
A Child's Question Sparked The Book
- Samuel recounts his eight-year-old son asking whether God is "more eternal" than us and what eternity means.
- That childlike question became the hook for his book and revealed deep theological curiosity.
