I have often heard the charge that Western Theology adopted the idea that God is entirely simple from pagan philosophy. However I am starting to find evidence in the Church Fathers that this is simply not the case. I will begin with a quote from St. Iranaeus that demonstrates that the idea of divine simplicity was present among the Church Fathers. Throughout the next few days I will provide more quotes.
"Far removed is the Father of all from those things which operate among men, the affections and passions. He is simple, not composed of parts, without structure, altogether like and equal to himself alone. He is all mind, all spirit, all thought, all intelligence, all reason . . . all light, all fountain of every good, and this is the manner in which the religious and the pious are accustomed to speak of God" (St. Iraneaus, Against Heresies 2:13:3 [A.D. 189]).