The Paradox of Omnipotence and Human Freedom

Atheists often argue that the concept of an all-powerful, all-knowing deity is inherently contradictory. If God is truly omnipotent, they claim, then He must be able to control every aspect of human life, thereby eliminating free will. Conversely, if humans possess genuine freedom, then God’s power and knowledge must be limited. In this critique, we’ll examine the supposed paradox between divine omnipotence and human liberty.

The Problem of Omniscience

One common objection is that an all-knowing God would have complete foreknowledge of every human decision, rendering free will an illusion. If God knows what choices humans will make before they’re even born, then doesn’t He predetermine their outcomes? As Christopher Hitchens (2007) writes, “If God is omniscient, he must already know how you will decide, which means that you don’t actually have a choice” [1].

However, this criticism misunderstands the nature of divine foreknowledge. Molinism, a theological perspective developed by 16th-century philosopher Luis de Molina, offers a solution. According to Molinism, God’s omniscience includes not only knowledge of what will occur but also an understanding of what could have occurred under different circumstances. This distinction allows for human freedom while maintaining divine foreknowledge.

The Problem of Omnipotence

Another challenge arises from the idea that an all-powerful deity would be capable of controlling every aspect of creation, effectively eliminating free will. Bertrand Russell (1910) argues that “if God is omnipotent, He can do what He likes, and if He likes to make people behave in a certain way, they will so behave” [2]. This seems to imply that humans are mere puppets under divine control.

However, this objection relies on a narrow understanding of power. Divine kenosis, a concept explored by theologian John Hick (1966), suggests that God’s omnipotence is not limited to coercive force but can also involve self-limitation and restraint [3]. This perspective allows for human freedom while maintaining the notion of divine omnipotence.

Reconciling Omnipotence and Human Freedom

So, how can we reconcile these seemingly contradictory concepts? One approach is to recognize that divine sovereignty and human freedom operate on different levels. God’s sovereignty encompasses the overall direction and purpose of creation, while human freedom pertains to individual choices within that framework.

Imagine a playwright who writes a script with a clear narrative arc but allows the actors to improvise their lines within certain boundaries. Similarly, God can establish the general trajectory of human history while granting individuals the freedom to make meaningful decisions within His sovereign plan.

Addressing Counterarguments

Atheists might respond by arguing that even if divine omnipotence and omniscience are compatible with human freedom, they still pose problems for the concept of evil. If God is all-powerful and all-knowing, why does He permit suffering and evil?

This challenge is often referred to as the problem of evil. One response is to acknowledge that evil serves a greater purpose in the grand narrative of creation. As C.S. Lewis (1952) notes, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world” [4].

Conclusion

The supposed paradox between divine omnipotence and human freedom is not as insurmountable as atheists claim. By recognizing the nuances of divine foreknowledge, power, and sovereignty, we can reconcile these concepts with the reality of human liberty.

In conclusion, atheism’s critique of theistic worldviews based on this supposed paradox is unfounded. The coherence of a deity that is both all-powerful and omniscient yet still allows for human freedom remains intact.

References

[1] Hitchens, C. (2007). God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything. Twelve Books.

[2] Russell, B. (1910). Philosophical Essays. Longmans, Green, and Co.

[3] Hick, J. (1966). Evil and the God of Love. Harper & Row.

[4] Lewis, C.S. (1952). Mere Christianity. Geoffrey Bles.

Note: The references provided are a selection of quotes and ideas from prominent thinkers and should not be considered an exhaustive list.