By John Koo

Of all the “proofs” against the existence of God, the omnipotence paradox is perhaps the most popular. There are two common forms of this paradox:

1. Can God create a stone so heavy that He cannot lift it?
2. Can God lie?

Can God create a stone so heavy that He cannot lift it?

The trap here is clear; answering either yes or no to this question would mean God cannot do something and therefore is not omnipotent. One solution to this dilemma is simply to recognize that God can create an infinitely heavy rock, and God can lift an infinitely heavy rock. To say that a heavier rock can exist at all would be to step outside the bounds of logic.

Can God lie?

This question not only targets God’s omnipotence but His very nature as well. If God is omnipotent, then He must be able to lie, but would that make Him God (or more specifically, the Judeo-Christian God)? In fact, Scripture tells us that God cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18). But does that mean God is not omnipotent?

The most common approach to this question is the “can vs. will” course. God can lie, but it is not in His nature to do so. But this raises another question: what is the difference between being unable to do something and that something not being in one’s nature? If God lied, would that mean He is no longer God?

Another explanation is as follows: God speaks the truth, and His word is law. Therefore if God were to say something false, it would automatically become true. God is not unable to lie; reality just conforms to His will.

Ultimately, however, we are forced to ask: Is God restricted to the same logic and natural laws we are restricted to? Of course, the answer is no. God can step outside the bounds of logic. In the end, that is what omnipotence boils down to God is omnipotent and therefore can overrule logic.