GOD TO DENY HIMSELF

Hi All,

Today I have a question for you, once you start reading this check the question mentioned in next line, take a pause think a little, then move forward with the article.

The question is –“ Can a perfect Omnipotent being create a rock so heavy that even he cannot lift it? ”.

Let me first tell you what does the word Omnipotence means? Actually Omnipotence means maximal greatness(or perfection). According to the various thesis mainly from the West, God is maximally great(or perfect ). So here in this crucial question the term “A perfect omnipotent being” we can refer it to a GOD or equivalent being . Today we are about to discuss the most famous “Omnipotence paradox”. Origin of this paradox is in the medieval period(approximately around 12th century). It was addressed by Averroes and later by Thomas Aquinas. We can also found a pre-mature version of this theory asked by Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite (before 532) . He asked this paradox as — “Whether it is possible for God to “deny himself”.

One of the most famous scenario is –“Modern version of ‘Omnipotence paradox’” :- Can an omnipotent being create a rock so heavy that even he cannot lift it ? OR : — if a God with infinite power creates a rock that he cannot lift, He ceases to possess the infinite power the very moment the rock is created. And, also if he cannot create that heavy rock, then he is already not the omnipotent to start with. In either scenario it only leads to contradiction.

Let’s understand a very similar paradox and its solution — “The irresistible force paradox” : —

(i)Suppose there is an object which is so heavy that it is impossible to move it at any cost(An immovable object) and also

(ii)Suppose there is an irresistible force available in the universe that can be able to move anything

Therefore after assuming the point number (i) and (ii) –

What will happen when our Immovable object come in contact with the irresistible force ?

To solve this dilemma one answer is that — if a force is irresistible, then by definition there is no immovable object; or in other words if an immovable object exists in the universe then there could not be any such irresistible force should exists. Another response we get is that irresistible force and immovable object never meets. But these are not the correct solution of this paradox.

The correct answer to get rid of this dilemma is — “An object cannot in principle be immovable, if a force exists that can in principle move it”. Actually our supposition or assumption in point (i) and(ii) is false or incorrect from the beginning only.

Now I am hoping that all of you understood the “The irresistible force paradox” correctly. Once you guys get the concept of “The irresistible force paradox” you can give the answer of famous ‘The Omnipotence paradox’ which I had asked you earlier in the beginning of this mail.

Thought of the Day:- “ Men are mortal so are Ideas. An Idea needs propagation as much as plant needs watering. Otherwise both will wither and die !! “

Thanking you
Niraj kumar