Daily Posts...
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Oh...those philosophical questions.......Have you ever come across those mind-boggling philosophical questions about God that seem to throw you into a whirlwind of confusion and doubt. You know, the questions that the skeptics are so quick to throw in the face of the believer in an attempt to prove that God is not so mighty and poweful as we think. They try to set up a paradox that traps us in a corner, leaving us with no possible solution to the question, in an attempt to take out our defenses and make us look like a bunch of fools. Oh, those skeptics....when will they ever learn.
As I was doing my readings for philosophy class I came across such a paradoxial question. Now I had heard this question before, but never really considered it important to answer, actually I probably didn't have an answer. But, answering such questions can really force one to dig a little deeper resulting in a greater knowledge of God and a deeper faith. Taking the time to answer some of life's ultimate questions is worth the effort. Don't let the skeptics get the upper hand, stand firm!
The question goes like this, "Can God create a stone that God cannot lift?" Now, this question is aimed at destroying the Christian believe of an omnipotent God. But, wait a second. This is a loaded question if I have ever seen one. No matter what answer we give it is the wrong answer. Say yes, then God is not all-powerful because God cannot lift the stone. Say no and God is not all-powerful because God cannot create the stone. What are you suppose to say to something like that? Is this a paradox? Are you trapped? I think not!
Think about it this way. Say no to the question. God cannot create a stone that God cannot lift. But, this is why. God's infinite ability to create a stone of any weight is matched by God's infinte power to lift it. Therefore, no matter how heavy a stone God creates he is able to lift it. There is no weight that God cannot lift, and there is no weight God cannot create. So of course God cannot create a stone he cannot lift, He is all-powerful. Isn't that something. Looking at it this way God's omnipotence is not downplayed at all and whoever asks the question receives a slap in the face. There are probably other ways to answer such a question, but this one is effective. The way I see it, if the silly skeptic or whatever you want to call them, still questions it, then tell them to get a life! Somethings are beyond the realm of human reason, and trying to grasp it will only lead one to frustration.
Sometimes it benefits to think about philosophy, especially when it comes to defending our faith. I find it interesting, hopefully someone else does too, ha! So that's my philosophical speal! Bed time.......
