Introduction

The concept of God as an omnipotent being is one deeply intertwined with theological and philosophical discussions. However, what happens when we consider a variant of this being: an omniscient but not omnipotent God? This exploration delves into the theological and moral implications of such a deity and questions whether such a being could still be considered good.

Evidential Fallacies of an Omniscient but Not Omnipotent Deity

The assertion that an omniscient but not omnipotent God is possible and meaningful has inherent flaws. If God is omniscient (knowing all that is, was, and will be), then by definition, God must be omnipotent (able to do anything that is logically possible). Any idea of a being who knows everything but has no ability to change that knowledge is logically inconsistent.

To illustrate, consider the mythological figure of Cassandra. Despite being a seer, Cassandra was cursed to be unable to convince others of her prophecies due to her status as a mortal. This inability to change the course of events is a crucial limitation that an omniscient but not omnipotent deity would also face. In such a scenario, the act of knowing everything would be akin to merely anticipating, with no power to alter outcomes.

Theomorphism and Omnipotence

In many religious traditions, especially in Christianity, the concept of an omnipotent God is central. This divine being is seen as the ultimate authority and Supreme Being, possessing all powers and attributes necessary to be considered perfect. An all-knowing but powerless being would not fit this narrative. If God is omniscient, it logically follows that God is also omnipotent, as the two attributes are essentially coequal and reinforce each other.

Moreover, being omnibenevolent, an omnipotent and omniscient God would ensure that all creation bears His stamp of perfection. With perfect knowledge, God cannot hate or disapprove of anything, as hatred is just the absence of love. Similarly, a perfect moral system cannot exist without the ability to enforce it. An omniscient but not omnipotent deity would lack the means to ensure that moral laws are followed, rendering the concept of morality meaningless.

The Incompatibility of Omnipotence and Love

Critics might argue that God can have justice without necessarily hating. While it is true that hatred does not mean the absence of justice, a perfect God who is both omniscient and omnipotent cannot experience hatred as it is a form of imperfection. Love and justice, in the context of a perfect being, do not entail hatred. Instead, they reflect a harmonious and loving disposition.

For example, in many theological discussions, the concept of justice and love coexist perfectly. A loving God would balance justice and mercy, ensuring that all beings are treated fairly and lovingly, even if it means allowing difficult circumstances for their ultimate good.

Conclusion: The Supreme Being

Ultimately, the idea of an omniscient but not omnipotent God presents significant theological challenges. The attributes of God, as described in European Christian theology, include omnipotence, which is essential to establish His supremacy. Without omnipotence, any notion of God’s supremacy and perfection is called into question. Therefore, an omniscient but not omnipotent God cannot be consistent with the traditional understanding of divine omnipotence.

Thus, the exploration of such a concept leads us to conclude that the attributes of God as understood by many religions, particularly omnipotence, are integral to maintaining the coherence and integrity of theological and philosophical discussions.