Are Omnipotence And Omnibenevolence Contradictory?
This applies to any being described as having omnipotence and omnibenevolence as a trait.
If He is omnipotent, then he can do anything.
If He is omnibenevolent, then he cannot do evil.
Therefore, He is either not omnipotent or not omnibenevolent.
Discuss.
Yes
Side Score: 1
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No
Side Score: 5
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1
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Based on the Popular definitions of the two words, omnipotence is "all powerful" and omnibenevolent is "all good". If those definitions stand, and for the purpose of this debate, I will suggest they do, then the only issue is that of "evil". If the definition of evil is "The violation of or intent to violate some moral code" I would like to say No, they can coexist. The reason is that moral codes are made up by imperfect beings because of their imperfection. An omnipotent being would not need a moral code because they are perfect. If no moral code is needed, then even if the being is "evil" in our terms, the being would just see it as an act (just like any of the good things the being would do), and not look at the acts as good or evil. Therefore, I believe it to be true that an omnipotent being can be omnibenevolent. Side: No
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