AOG: OMNIPOTENCE Flashcards
What does being omnipotent technically mean God can do?
Anything.
What is not logically possible?
Where there is logical contradiction involved.
What does Descartes argue to support the view that God can do anything?
God could change the fundamental laws of physics, which, as far as we know are unchanging and apply universally.
What does Aquinas describe God as?
‘Active power’ - ability to exercise power and bring about events.
What is a solution to the problem of God’s omnipotence?
Seek to redefine omnipotence as meaning ‘that which is logically possible for a being such as God.’ (Swineburne)
What does Mavrodes argue about the paradox of the stone?
If the paradox of the stone is defined as ‘to create a stone that God cannot lift’ and God by definition is a being of unlimited power, this would make the idea of the stone self-contradictory.
What does Aquinas argue about the paradox of the stone?
A stone so heavy that God cannot lift it is an impossible object.
Where in the Bible is God’s omnipotence supported?
Luke 1:37 - “For nothing is impossible with God.”
How is God’s omnipotence limited?
He cannot change the past.
What does Ockham distinguish between?
Distinguishes between the two powers of God. The ‘absolute power of God’ and the ‘ordained power of God’.
How does Aquinas argue for God’s unlimited ability?
God is able to do anything, he can part the Red Sea and restore the dead to life.
What does Swinburne describe God as?
“limitless, intentional power.”
What does Dawkins argue against religion?
It teaches people to be “satisfied with not understanding the world.”
What does Russell argue against God’s omnipotence?
Universe is a brute fact so does not require an omnipotent God to explain its existence.
Where is there a lack of power demonstrated?
His inaction in the Holocaust, Genocide etc.
What does Descartes argue in reference to God being the source of logic?
He has the power to suspend logic and replace it with whatever he wants.
What does Descartes say about God conforming to the laws of nature, logic and physics?
Since God made them He can break them.
What does J.L. Mackie say in criticism of Descartes’ argument of logically impossible actions?
Were “only a form of words which fail to describe any state of affairs”.
What does Descartes argument turn God into?
An arbitrary and unpredictable God who can do anything.
What does Aquinas state in defence of God having the power to do whatever is logically possible?
“Whatever involves a contradiction is not held by omnipotence”.
What does Aquinas say about God and sin?
God cannot sin as this contradicts God’s good nature.
How does Swinburne support Aquinas’ proposition?
Agrees that God’s omnipotence means God can do everything but we must first understand what ‘everything’ includes.
What does Vardy state in defence of God’s omnipotence being limited? What example does he give?
God is not in control of the whole of history or able to move pieces like chess on a chess board.
What does Vardy believe the universe is created to suit?
Free, rational creatures, therefore, God limits his power over this.
How do we speak of God’s power according to Macquarie?
We do so as an analogy. God’s power is very different from our own.
