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7
8
Two or more are contradictory. None are contradictory
Debate Score:15
Arguments:19
Total Votes:21
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 Two or more are contradictory. (6)
 
 None are contradictory (6)

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andrevivey92(39) pic



Some of the characteristics typically ascribed to god contradict one another.

The characterization of God as all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good is quite common in Western society. Yet, it can be contended that two or more of these characteristics contradict with one another. If this is the case, it can be asserted that God, if he exists, cannot have all three of these characteristics. 

Two or more are contradictory.

Side Score: 7
VS.

None are contradictory

Side Score: 8
1 point

What’s the contradiction ?

Side: Two or more are contradictory.
DreTheWise(88) Clarified
1 point

The contradictions start with the omnipotence paradox. This raises a question "can god create a [Blank] that even he cannot [Blank]". Based on the philosopher you are reading you can fill in the blanks. I personally like the "can god create a puzzle that even he cannot solve" version. If God can create the puzzle, then he lacks the power to solve the puzzle and if he can't then he lacks the power to create the puzzle.

A counterargument here is that this is not what is meant by omnipotence. Instead, omnipotence refers to god being able to do all logical things. Yet, if god's power is limited by the realm of logic, is that true omnipotence?

Then there is the contradiction of omnibenevolence and omnipotence. God cannot possess both of these qualities in a world where evil persists. God is either: Willing but unable to remove evil, Able but unwilling to remove evil, or unable and unwilling to remove evil.

The counterargument here is that God is willing and able, but does not wish to interfere with free will. However, the very fact that god would value free will over ending pain and suffering supports the argument that he is unwilling to rid the world of evil. Another argument is that god is willing and able, and plans to do so. However, every second counts contributing to pain and suffering. To allow that pain and suffering is not good. It means that god is still in this moment unwilling.

Side: Two or more are contradictory.
1 point

Christians over the years have as you well know come up with various attempts at solutions to these paradoxes ranging from linguistic trickery such as redefining and restating the paradoxes and will just constantly redefine the characteristics of god to fit and counter the latest best argument , when all else fails the mystery card is played as in “god works in mysterious ways and ours not to know the mind of god “ yet they seem to know the mind and intentions of god when preaching to others.

Regards the paradoxes I asked before “ could an all powerful god draw a four sided triangle on a large screen that us his creations would find perfectly logical “ of course the answer was a resounding “ yes” this is the sort of lunacy one deals with while engaging Christians.

Regards the problem of evil theists will actually defend a god regarding events like the holocaust by stating how do we know god did not allow such for a greater good? This regulates us humans into a position as being so unintelligent that we cannot comprehend what greater good god had in mind. Is it also acceptable and compatible with a highly intelligent god to actually think his best plan for a greater good is to allow events like a holocaust take place so his grand plan can unfold , there would or could not be another way to achieve his aims.

Children are abused and raped daily and an all loving god observes and does nothing his subjects who are vastly inferior in intelligence and morality ( apparently) would intervene and save a child if they could but yet god is morally superior.

We as humans will say Murder is wrong , God says murder is wrong according to Christians , if god says murder is right tomorrow is it right?

Side: Two or more are contradictory.
Amarel(5669) Clarified
0 points

A counterargument here is that this is not what is meant by omnipotence. Instead, omnipotence refers to god being able to do all logical things. Yet, if god's power is limited by the realm of logic, is that true omnipotence?

God would either have created or God is the logic of the universe. If God created it, then God can manipulate it. In which case God can create a puzzle God can’t solve and yet solve it, because the law of non-contradiction won’t apply. If God is the logic of the universe, then it’s Gods all powerful existence which set the standard by which you present your logical challenge.

The counterargument here is that God is willing and able, but does not wish to interfere with free will.

There is another counter argument. The limited mortal perspective is not sufficient to judge what is truly evil. The big picture, from the perspective of eternity may find that, in fact, no evil exists beyond our mortal perspective which is necessary and of infinite benefit which we do not understand.

Side: Two or more are contradictory.
1 point

The characterization of God as all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good is quite common in Western society

But for those asserting this the case can be made by opponents that the character of god is all evil , the case can be made using the self same “logic” used by believers and is equally as “valid” in the sense that believers seem to think.

Yet again the character of a god could be both evil and god thereby sidestepping the whole argument again

Side: Two or more are contradictory.

Some of characteristics typically ascribed to god contradict one another

And off he ran, never to be seen again.

Side: None are contradictory
andrevivey92(39) Disputed
1 point

1. I have a life...therefore, I am not going to always immediately respond.

2. When did I say the bible used these three terms? There are people who believe in god...theists from a multitude of religions who give this these characteristics to the god they believe in. If you want to debate whether or not the Bible uses these characteristics to describe god, you may want to talk to Christians who interpret the bible as saying that. I am merely posing this question for those that believe god hold all three characteristics.

Side: Two or more are contradictory.
andrevivey92(39) Disputed
1 point

Can you also explain the logic of proclaiming that God does not have all three characteristics while at the same time voting that these characteristics are non-contradictory?

Side: Two or more are contradictory.

The characterization of God as all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good

So show us the Bible using these 3 terms.

Side: None are contradictory