Presents an investigation into the history of the concept of God through Greek philosophy, Mediaeval theology, the Reformation to Early Modern philosophy. This book proves that the roots of modern secularism can be traced to the epistemology of the metaphysicians of Greek philosophy and Christian theologians, who developed their concepts further.

While for the largest part of its history humankind has experienced its daily life in the 'here and now' in terms of a more fundamental, transcendent realm, a significant group of Westerners, in contrast, is living life without any reference to such a transcendent realm. From a Christian perspective, this situation is complicated by the fact that this loss of transcendence occurred in the Christian West. This raises the question of the relation between Christianity and secularization. How did the idea of the "Death of God" come about, where were its origins? Frederiek Depoortere presents a fascinating investigation into the history of the concept of God through Greek philosophy, Mediaeval theology, the Reformation to Early Modern philosophy. He proves that the roots of modern secularism can be traced back to the epistemology of the first metaphysicians of Greek philosophy and the Christian theologians, who developed their concepts further.

"Frederiek Depoortere's slim volume is an expansive history of the Western concept of God, from the Milesians to Nietzsche, with particular attention to 'how we have lost God in the West (viii).'...Depoortere has written a refreshing, interesting, and courageous volume.  Well-written and well-edited, it is an informative source for students of theology and philosophy.  Depoortere also shows signs of humor--look for references to Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman!" -Gesa Elsbeth Thiessen, Theological Studies, Sept. 2009