The idea of omnipotence has been a tricky concept for philosophers for many years. Many philosophers have tried to define it without success. In this essay, I intend to look at, as the question poses, whether ‘A being is omnipotent if it has every power which it is logically possible to possess’ is an adequate definition of omnipotent and then move on to look at some other ways of defining omnipotence to see if they do any better. Omnipotent quite literally means all powerful, Omni- all, potent-powerful
nature of piety and even of the gods themselves. The issues raised in this dialogue have been reinterpreted and extended to remain relevant even with a modern theological framework, so much so that the central issue is now known simply as ?the Euthyphro dilemma.? This is based on Socrates? two-way choice which he offers in the dialogue: "Consider this: Is the pious being loved by the gods because it is pious, or is it pious because it is being loved by the gods?" (10a) In the context of the
In Plato 's Euthyphro, Socrates and Euthyphro discuss the nature of piety. Euthyphro first proposed that piety is that which the gods love. His proposal was quickly objected by Socrates though, since the gods often disputed amongst themselves and therefore what one loves can be what another hates. Euthyphro then revised his hypothesis to say that piety is that which the gods love unanimously and for the moment this was their conclusion. This definition however, that piety is what the gods love unanimously
Chapter 2 Attributes of God in Classical Christian Theism We continue our study of the history of God by looking at His attributes from a number of different viewpoints. We will first examine the view of Classical Theism, then the view of Freewill Theism, and finally that of Open Theism. We begin by defining Classical Theism, also called traditional theism or Augustinian theism. In a section entitled, “The Classical Christian Concept of God,” Francis Beckwith gives a short definition of Classical
God is not worthy of worship I realize the nature of this topic is likely to garner the contempt of many. I respectfully ask that you spare me any personal attacks. I sincerely want to discuss this topic. I am not motivated to do so out of a desire to disrespect anyone or their beliefs. Rather, I desire this discussion as a chance to share ideas. Clarification: The Nature of God Before I begin, I want to make clear that in this essay, I am addressing what is known as the God of Christianity.
and wicked” (“Merriam-Webster”, 2015). The definition of evil in the Bible falls into two categories: evil against one another (murder, theft, and adultery) and evil against God (unbelief, idolatry, and blasphemy). From the prohibition against eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:9 New King James Version), to the destruction of Babylon the Great (Revelation 18:2), the Bible speaks of evil. Apparently, no one in the history of humankind has uncovered
asking them questions. And all those heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.? Luke 2:46-47 The Bible accounts that when God spoke for the first time, Life, in the form of an energy called light, illuminated the universe. In that moment of time, darkness was the present condition across the expanse. The darkness could not understand the light and thus fled as God expressed his sovereign will through the spoken Word. The declaration of His Word brought forth light. This original
of the others including, omnipotence, omniscience and eternality among others, be one and at the same time be individuals? The issue at hand is; does biblical evidence support the doctrine of the Trinity? The doctrine of the Trinity distinctively marks and sets Christianity apart from other religions. Comprehending this is an issue all to itself. John Wesley said, “Bring me a worm that can comprehend a man, and then I will show you a man that can comprehend the triune God.” While understanding the
Open theism was not heavily debated prior to the publication of The Openness of God in 1994, by Clark H. Pinnock, Richard Rice, John Sanders, William Hasker, and David Basinger. The Openness of God presents the case that we have free will to decide our own future, and God simply hopes that we will choose to accept His love and follow Him. Although the above men are for open theism many are against it. Among those that disagree with it are William Lane Craig, Millard Erickson, John Frame, Paul Helm
ex deo” (creation out of God.) Christians all believe that the world is created ex deo, however, whether the universe was created “ex nihilo” or from already present material is still a topic of discussion today among Christians and people of other beliefs alike. There is evidence in the bible supporting both creatio ex nihilo and ex materia. Despite the simplicity of defining the concept of “nothingness” (a pronoun