Throughout my masters and doctoral research my area of interest has been Patristics, specifically the second century CE, and related areas including heresiology, Gnosticism, biblical studies, and particularly Middle Platonism. My specific focus has been the doctrine of the Trinity and the development of this idea in early Christian thought.
I have continued my academic research as an independent scholar, publishing journal articles and books. My other research interests include biblical apocalytic literature (Daniel and Revelation), and biblical theology.
My first degree was in Philosophy and I have a general interest in the philosophy of religion, particularly religious epistemology.
Historical Issues in the Book of Daniel
In this book I explore a range of historical issues connected with the Old Testament book called Daniel, particularly concerning the historicity of the events recorded. A number of other connected textual and theological issues are also discussed.
Historical Issues in the Book of Daniel was originally published in 2009 under the TaanathShiloh imprint. The second edition was published in 2016 as part of the Paternoster Biblical Monographs series.
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Reviews:
“It is obvious that Gaston has done his homework and has worked through a large portion of relevant scholarly material. This has allowed him to bring together the best of the conservative arguments for the historicity of the book of Daniel. Its compact size, well-written prose, and clarity make this a good first port of call for anyone seeking a short reference guide to the arguments for the historicity of the book of Daniel.” – Bacho V. Bordjadze, Reviews in Religion and Theology
“I recommend Gaston’s work to all serious students of Daniel’s book.” – Zdravko Stefanovic, Andrews University Seminary Studies
“It collects valuable sources for understanding Daniel … and offers clear arguments in favour of his position.” – Alan R. Millard, Vestus Testamentum
“It is commended to all who wish to know in detail the kind of evidence that would convince scholars of the historicity of the prophecy of Daniel.” – John Nicholls, The Testimony
“Gaston’s book is extensively footnoted and demonstrates a thorough familiarity with the work of leading authorities. It is also highly readable. If you are interested in having worthwhile books on Daniel in your library, this is one to own.” – John S. Evans, Amazon review
Dynamic Monarchianism
Building on my doctoral research on the doctrine of the Trinity, this book concerns Christians in the second and third centuries who rejected that doctrine. “Dynamic Monarchianism” is a modern category used by historians to group together those Christians who believed in the unity of God and that Jesus was separate from God.
More than an overview of those historical figures fitting into the category, I explore what can be summarised about the origins of these ideas. As the subtitle suggests, I propose that the Dynamic Monarchians may preserve a tradition dating back to the earliest Christians.
Obadiah
This is a verse-by-verse academic commentary on Obadiah, the short book of the Old Testament. It was originally intended, alongside books by other authors, to a commentary series. Ultimately the idea was abandoned and this book was published independently.
Articles
Gaston, T., & Perry, A. (2017). Christological Monotheism, Horizons in Biblical Theology, 39(2), 176-196. doi: https://doi.org/10.1163/18712207-12341353
Gaston, T. (2015). The Egyptian Background of Gnostic Mythology, Numen, 62(4), 389-407. doi: https://doi.org/10.1163/15685276-12341378
Gaston, T. E. (2014). Does the Gospel of John Have a High Christology?, Horizons in Biblical Theology, 36(2), 129-141. doi: https://doi.org/10.1163/18712207-12341279
GASTON, T.E. (2009), THE INFLUENCE OF PLATONISM ON THE EARLY APOLOGISTS. The Heythrop Journal, 50: 573-580. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2265.2008.00448.x
Theses
Gaston, T. E. (2014). Why Three? An exploration of the origins of the doctrine of the Trinity with reference to Platonism and Gnosticism [PhD thesis]. Oxford University, UK.
Gaston, Thomas Edmund (2008). Proto-Trinity: the development of the doctrine of the Trinity in the first and second Christian centuries. [M.Phil. thesis]. University of Birmingham, UK.
Book Reviews
Gaston, T.E. (2012), Messiah Jesus: Christology in His Day and Ours. By Kennard, Douglas W.. Pp. 605, New York, Peter Lang, 2008, £66.98/$99.95.. Hey J, 53: 318-318. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2265.2011.00726_47.x
Gaston, T.E. (2011), Invocation and Assent: The Making and Remaking of Trinitarian Theology. By Jason E. Vickers. The Heythrop Journal, 52: 832-833. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2265.2011.00682_10.x
Gaston, T.E. (2011), Ontology and Providence in Creation: Taking Ex Nihilo Seriously. By Mark I. T. Robson. The Heythrop Journal, 52: 313-313. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2265.2011.00646_13.x
Gaston, T.E. (2009), Was Jesus God? By Richard Swinburne. The Heythrop Journal, 50: 168-169. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2265.2009.00438_55.x
Thomas Gaston 