Is Anything *Impossible* for God?

[depthdeception]

The first question asked in Philosophy is inevitably "Can God make a rock so big that God can't pick it up?" Usually the answer is smoke screened with some business about "God's power cannot contradict God's wisdom." What do you think?

 

[Outrider]

Usually the answer is smoke screened with some business about "God's power cannot contradict God's wisdom." What do you think?

This answer is not a smoke screen, it is, in fact, a true answer to a foolish question. The question itself is a smoke screen and can only be answered that it is folly. The question is proposed generally in derision of God's character, it is an insult to his majesty put forth by the foolishness of human philosophy. But since a wise answer is not acceptable, the only solution to the question is that there is no God. You see, when one takes this direction in their thinking, they are, on the strength of human rationalism, proposing that deity is a contradiction which cancels itself out.

But the Bible never states that God can do anything. In fact, the Bible states that there are things God cannot do, such as lie or contradict himself (which is essentially the same thing). He also cannot allow sin to stand in his presence, which is a very important idea to us, since it leads us to the cross to find a way to be justified.

 

[Simonline]

The first question asked in Philosophy is inevitably "Can God make a rock so big that God can't pick it up?" Usually the answer is smoke screened with some business about "God's power cannot contradict God's wisdom." What do you think?

Easy, the question is impertinent because it seeks to play God off against himself (thereby placing God in a philosophical 'no-win' situation) and should therefore be sumarily dismissed. It actually reveals a lot more about the questioner than it does about God. It would tell me to waste no further time with such a person who clearly has an underlying agenda.

There are some things which are 'impossible' for God (apart from that which is absolutely impossible anyway such as creating a square circle or frying ice etc.) such as being absolutely incapable of and utterly impervious to change (i.e Immutable) being absolutely incapable of and utterly impervious to sin (against whom would he sin?!) and being absolutely incapable of and utterly impervious to death (from whom would God be separated?)


Thus, for God, somethings which are posibble for us as relative beings, are absolutely impossible for him as the absolute Being, but this cannot under any circumstances, be construed as a disadvantage for God.

Simonline.

 

[Fellowship]

The first question asked in Philosophy is inevitably "Can God make a rock so big that God can't pick it up?" Usually the answer is smoke screened with some business about "God's power cannot contradict God's wisdom." What do you think?

Jesus did have a hard time carrying just a cross, I don't think he could have picked up but so huge of a rock.

It's my impression that God is not subject to possiblities, or impossiblities.

There you have it a legit answer, and a smoke screen all in one post. I hope this helps.

 

[Fellowship]

But the Bible never states that God can do anything. In fact, the Bible states that there are things God cannot do, such as lie or contradict himself (which is essentially the same thing). He also cannot allow sin to stand in his presence, which is a very important idea to us, since it leads us to the cross to find a way to be justified.

If you take a look at the book of Job, Satan did stand in the presense of the Lord our God. He also tested Abraham in telling him to kill his son Isaac but later instructed him not to kill him.

I just bring this up because I like my answer of 'God not being bound to possibilites, and impossibilites' better.

 

[5stringJeff]

Outrider nailed the answer.

 

[If Not For Grace]

There are many things God can not do: example: Lie.

 

[imnotperfect]

The first question asked in Philosophy is inevitably "Can God make a rock so big that God can't pick it up?" Usually the answer is smoke screened with some business about "God's power cannot contradict God's wisdom." What do you think?

Yes he can

 

[Fellowship]

Easy, the question is impertinent because it seeks to play God off against himself (thereby placing God in a philosophical 'no-win' situation) and should therefore be sumarily dismissed. It actually reveals a lot more about the questioner than it does about God. It would tell me to waste no further time with such a person who clearly has an underlying agenda.

I answered the question quite easily without putting God in a no-win situation.

(Yes, my head is growing so big I might tip over. )

There are some things which are 'impossible' for God (apart from that which is absolutely impossible anyway such as creating a square circle or frying ice etc.)

The burning bush, a talking donkey, blind men seeing, walking on Water, the parting of the Red Sea are all impossibilities yet they happened.

such as being absolutely incapable of and utterly impervious to change (i.e Immutable) being absolutely incapable of and utterly impervious to sin against whom would he sin?!)

How about Jesus in the dessert, remember "do not put the lord your God to the test." It's pretty evident that Christ could have sinned, but chose not to. There are times in scripture where God swears oaths to his people by his own name since there isn't anyone higher. I wouldn't put anything past God.

and being absolutely incapable of and utterly impervious to death (from whom would God be separated?)

Jesus "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

Thus, for God, somethings which are posibble for us as relative beings, are absolutely impossible for him as the absolute Being, but this cannot under any circumstances, be construed as a disadvantage for God.

God can have many essenses at once, and yet still be 'subtangent' (may not be the word I looking for.)

Anyway, God is not bound to any set of circumstances real or imaginary.

Divine simplicity.

 

[.Mikha'el.]

Matthew 19:26

"But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

That is all you need to know to understand my position.

 

[DailyBlessings]

Just because God did not do something, does not mean God couldn't. I'm sure the Creator could have made a universe in which the rock question wouldn't be a physical paradox.

 

[moses916]

God does not force ppl to come to him, rather he has given us free will and has invited us to commune with Him, so is it impossible for God to force ppl unto Himself? No, because all things are possible with God, yet because He is love, He respects our decision. We judge ourselves for the next life, we have the will to accept or reject God.

 

[depthdeception]

This answer is not a smoke screen, it is, in fact, a true answer to a foolish question. The question itself is a smoke screen and can only be answered that it is folly. The question is proposed generally in derision of God's character, it is an insult to his majesty put forth by the foolishness of human philosophy. But since a wise answer is not acceptable, the only solution to the question is that there is no God. You see, when one takes this direction in their thinking, they are, on the strength of human rationalism, proposing that deity is a contradiction which cancels itself out.

You are presuming a certain understanding of the nature of God. However, I am asking a philosophical question that cannot be dismissed so easily. If God could do this, what is the reason for the ability? And if God cannot, what is it about the nature/ability of God that precludes God from doing it? Dodging the question on the basis of "ridiculousness"--while being a popular out for many who do not wish to provide a coherent explication of the nature of God--does not help move anyone towards understanding.

But the Bible never states that God can do anything. In fact, the Bible states that there are things God cannot do, such as lie or contradict himself (which is essentially the same thing). He also cannot allow sin to stand in his presence, which is a very important idea to us, since it leads us to the cross to find a way to be justified.

Okay, but I'm not asking what the bible says. I am asking--from a purely philosophical perspective--what it is about God's nature/ability that leads on to the answer which they ultimately choose.

 

[depthdeception]

Easy, the question is impertinent because it seeks to play God off against himself (thereby placing God in a philosophical 'no-win' situation) and should therefore be sumarily dismissed. It actually reveals a lot more about the questioner than it does about God. It would tell me to waste no further time with such a person who clearly has an underlying agenda.

There are some things which are 'impossible' for God (apart from that which is absolutely impossible anyway such as creating a square circle or frying ice etc.) such as being absolutely incapable of and utterly impervious to change (i.e Immutable) being absolutely incapable of and utterly impervious to sin (against whom would he sin?!) and being absolutely incapable of and utterly impervious to death (from whom would God be separated?)


Thus, for God, somethings which are posibble for us as relative beings, are absolutely impossible for him as the absolute Being, but this cannot under any circumstances, be construed as a disadvantage for God.

Simonline.

So....your answer would be "C"??

 

[depthdeception]

Jesus did have a hard time carrying just a cross, I don't think he could have picked up but so huge of a rock.

It's my impression that God is not subject to possiblities, or impossiblities.

There you have it a legit answer, and a smoke screen all in one post. I hope this helps.

Yes, I always respect a straightforward answer. Thanks.

 

[Dmckay]

It is impossible for G-d to do that which is contrary to His Divine attributes, He IS Truth, ergo, He cannot lie, He IS Holy, thus He cannot tolerate sin, etc.

 

[DeaconDean]

But the Bible never states that God can do anything. In fact, the Bible states that there are things God cannot do, such as lie or contradict himself (which is essentially the same thing). He also cannot allow sin to stand in his presence, which is a very important idea to us, since it leads us to the cross to find a way to be justified.

Lu 1:37 - For with God nothing shall be impossible.That settles it for me!

 

[Desolate Owl]

I think that God can't do that which is logically contradictory (i.e. He cannot make somebody exist and not exist at the same time and in the same sense). He can do anything that is impossible due to lack of knowledge or power, but He can't do things that are impossible by definition.

 

[immortalavefenix]

I've heard the of this "god and rock" paradox so many times. You know, though it may be fun, there are more pressing questions.

For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Hmmmm,.... really.....

Nothing is impossible? Then is it a "possibility" that God may be lieing?

Now you could say that scripture stands against this, which is true, but the thing remains that the scriptures were made by God, and if it was within his plan to fool us mortals he could and would very well do just that. And beyound the question of weather or not it is a possiblity, the more pressing one would be how can we tell?There really is no way of knowing weather it really is a a lie or not. That is the problem with non-falseble things.

On a similair line, is it not also "possible" that God command me to do something I find morally reprehensible e.g. genocide? Would I be justified in refusing?

After many years of pondering these same ponits I've observed that ideas people have of God, and what he or she may actually be, to be quite differnt indeed.

 

[Cleany]

well i would like to see him stop my computer getting stuck on the "saving your settings" screen every time i reboot.