Omnipotence

Definition

Omnipotence refers to the attribute of being all-powerful, a characteristic often ascribed to a deity, indicating the ability to do anything that is logically possible. This term is closely tied to discussions about divine nature and capabilities, influencing debates on divine hiddenness, moral commands, and the existence of suffering and death in the world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Omnipotence does not imply the ability to do logically contradictory actions, such as creating a rock so heavy that even God cannot lift it.
2. In discussions about divine hiddenness, omnipotence raises questions about why a powerful deity would choose not to reveal itself to humanity.
3. The concept of divine command theory suggests that moral truths are grounded in the commands of an omnipotent being, leading to debates about morality's independence from divinity.
4. Some argue that the existence of suffering and death challenges the notion of omnipotence, as it raises questions about why an all-powerful deity would allow such experiences.
5. Philosophers often differentiate between different types of power (e.g., absolute vs. relational) when discussing God's omnipotence.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of omnipotence relate to divine hiddenness and the question of God's existence?
  • The idea of omnipotence suggests that if God is all-powerful, then God has the capability to reveal Himself to humanity. However, divine hiddenness raises the question of why an omnipotent God would choose not to make His presence known. This paradox creates a tension in understanding God's nature and existence, as it leads individuals to wonder about the reasons for God's silence despite His ability to communicate with humanity.
• Discuss how omnipotence interacts with the principles of divine command theory in shaping our understanding of morality.
  • In divine command theory, moral obligations are seen as rooted in the commands of an omnipotent being. This means that what is considered morally right or wrong is determined by what God commands. Critics argue that this could imply that morality is arbitrary since if an omnipotent deity decided otherwise, moral truths could shift. This raises significant questions about whether moral standards can exist independently of God's will or if they are inherently tied to His omnipotent nature.
• Evaluate the implications of omnipotence in relation to the problem of suffering and death in the world.
  • The problem of suffering and death poses a significant challenge to the concept of omnipotence. If an all-powerful deity exists, critics question why such a being would permit suffering and mortality among creation. This dilemma forces a reevaluation of how we understand divine power and goodness. Some responses suggest that free will is necessary for genuine love and moral choices, thus allowing for the existence of suffering as a consequence. Others propose that divine purposes might transcend human understanding, leaving room for faith in an omnipotent deity's greater plan.

Related terms

Omniscience: The attribute of being all-knowing, which includes knowledge of the past, present, and future events.

Omnibenevolence: The quality of being all-good or perfectly good, often used to discuss the moral nature of a deity.

Free Will: The ability of individuals to make choices without being constrained by fate or divine intervention.