Is the omnipotence paradox a good argument against God?
Is the Omnipotence Paradox a Valid Argument Against God?
The so-called omnipotence paradox is a philosophical challenge designed to argue that the concept of an all-powerful God is self-contradictory and therefore logically impossible. While the paradox has been debated for centuries, its primary flaw lies in misunderstanding the nature of omnipotence as defined in Scripture. A clear understanding of biblical theology and logic demonstrates that the omnipotence paradox fails as an argument against the existence of the God of the Bible.
The Paradox Explained
The most common formulation of the omnipotence paradox is:
"Can God create a stone so heavy that He cannot lift it?"
The paradox claims that no matter how this question is answered, it demonstrates a limitation to God's power:
If God cannot create such a stone, He is not omnipotent because there is something He cannot do.
If God can create such a stone, He is still not omnipotent because He would be unable to lift it.
This line of reasoning attempts to force a contradiction into the concept of omnipotence, concluding that it is an incoherent idea.
Misunderstanding Omnipotence
1. Biblical Definition of Omnipotence
The Bible affirms that God is omnipotent, meaning He possesses infinite power and is sovereign over all creation. For example:
Job 42:2: “I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.”
Jeremiah 32:17: “Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.”
Revelation 19:6: “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!”
Omnipotence does not mean that God can do anything, no matter how nonsensical or self-contradictory. Rather, omnipotence means that God can do all things consistent with His nature and will. God is not subject to logical absurdities or contradictions, nor is He obligated to perform actions that violate His own character.
2 Timothy 2:13: “If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.”
Titus 1:2: “In hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.”
These verses show that God's power operates within the framework of His perfect nature, which includes His holiness, truth, and logic.
2. Logical Absurdities Are Not Real Things
The omnipotence paradox depends on presenting a logically incoherent scenario and then asking if God can resolve it. For example, the question of whether God can create a "square circle" or a "stone so heavy He cannot lift it" is not a valid test of omnipotence. These concepts are not "things" at all but rather contradictions of terms. A square is, by definition, not a circle, and a circle is not a square. Similarly, the concept of a stone so heavy that an omnipotent being cannot lift it is nonsensical.
As C. S. Lewis aptly put it in The Problem of Pain: “Nonsense remains nonsense even when we talk it about God.” God’s omnipotence means He can do all things that are logically possible; it does not mean He can perform logical absurdities, which are not "things" but merely misuses of language.
3. The Nature of God’s Power
God’s power is not arbitrary or reckless; it is purposeful and consistent with His will. God’s omnipotence is demonstrated in His ability to create, sustain, and govern the universe, as seen in Colossians 1:16–17: “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.”
God's power is not a chaotic force subject to whimsical or meaningless tests. Instead, it is an ordered and intentional force that aligns with His nature and plan.
Addressing the Paradox Directly
When framed correctly, the omnipotence paradox is revealed to be a misunderstanding of both omnipotence and logic. Consider the stone example:
If God is omnipotent, He controls the laws of physics, including concepts like weight and gravity. Asking whether God can create a stone "too heavy to lift" assumes a fixed system of physical laws that do not apply to an omnipotent being.
The paradox falsely assumes that God’s power can be tested by meaningless or logically incoherent questions. A truly omnipotent being would not be bound by illogical constructs, nor would He be required to engage with absurdities.
The proper theological answer is that the question itself is invalid. It is akin to asking whether God can create a "married bachelor" or whether He can "stop being God." These are not limitations of God’s power but rather clarifications of His nature. God cannot act against His own nature or logical coherence because such actions would contradict His perfection.
Biblical Perspective on Omnipotence
God’s Power Is Absolute Yet Purposeful God’s omnipotence is evident in creation, providence, and redemption. He created the universe out of nothing (Genesis 1:1) and sustains it by His power (Hebrews 1:3). His power is not subject to meaningless tests but is exercised to fulfill His will and glorify Himself.
God’s Power Is Unified with His Nature God’s power cannot contradict His nature. He cannot lie (Titus 1:2), deny Himself (2 Timothy 2:13), or commit evil (James 1:13). These are not limitations but expressions of His perfect character.
God’s Wisdom and Power Are Beyond Human Comprehension Scripture reminds us that God’s ways and thoughts are far beyond ours:
Isaiah 55:8–9: “‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.’”
Job 11:7: “Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty?”
Conclusion
The omnipotence paradox is not a valid argument against the God of the Bible because it misunderstands the nature of omnipotence and logical coherence. God’s omnipotence means He can do all things consistent with His nature and will, not that He can perform absurdities or logical contradictions. As Scripture affirms, God’s power is infinite, purposeful, and perfectly aligned with His character. The paradox ultimately fails because it is based on a misuse of logic, not a genuine critique of God’s power.
