The Attributes of God: Omnipotence, Omniscience, and Omnipresence

Why do humans attribute such seemingly insignificant characteristics to God like omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence? These terms, while commonly used, may not fully capture the essence of God's nature. This article explores the reasoning behind these attributes and their limitations.

The Unintended Limits of Omni- Attributes

Intellectual anosognosia is a cognitive term that describes a person's unawareness of a condition or ability that they lack. In the context of attributing omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence to God, there is a tendency to overextend these terms without fully understanding their implications. For instance, just because God is described as all-powerful (omnipotent) does not mean He is bound by necessity. This unlimited power does not equate to 'omni-everything.'

Consider the concept of omniscience. While people often describe God as all-knowing, this doesn't mean He has knowledge of every possible permutation of reality, especially those beyond the scope of human understanding. Just as it would be unnecessary for a person to know the ending of a mystery novel, God, in His unlimited power, doesn't feel an inherent obligation to know everything we do. This broadens our understanding of God's attributes and prevents us from projecting human limitations onto Him.

Beyond Human Perception: A Heavenly Understanding

Jesus made it clear that God's center is in the heavens, not in the earthly realm. This means that God is not bound by physical dimensions and can be known through the Holy Spirit in real-time. The concept of omnipresence, while common, doesn't fully describe God's understanding and presence. The Higgs Boson, a particle that grants mass in the observable universe, has given us a better perspective on dimensions beyond our immediate comprehension. Thus, even concepts like omnipresence need to be reevaluated. God's understanding and presence are beyond our human limitations and perceptions.

God’s True Attributes: Cause to Become

God calls Himself the I AM WHO I AM (Exodus 3:14), literally translated as 'He Who Causes to Become.' This name contains a promise that whatever He sets out to do, He will achieve. This interpretation encourages a deeper meditation on God’s nature and His ability to bring about His will. This attribute is a reminder of God’s sovereignty and the unwavering confidence that He is in control and capable of bringing His plans to fruition.

Wishful Thinking and Human Perception

The desire to attribute omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence to God often stems from a desire for a sense of security and superiority. Humans have a natural inclination to project onto God the qualities that they wish to see reflected in their own lives and in a world that often feels chaotic and out of control. This is not just a modern phenomenon but can be observed in various forms of mythology and storytelling, such as Superman and Captain Marvel, where superheroes represent superior and protective forces against bullying and injustice.

Logistical Questions and Theological Paradoxes

Other significant questions arise when we consider the human image and likeness of God: why are we not omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent? If God is all-powerful and all-knowing, why does evil exist, and why is suffering allowed? These questions are fundamental to theology and philosophy, and they challenge our understanding of God's attributes and our place in the universe. While these questions do not provide simple answers, they invite us to explore deeper and more nuanced understandings of God and our relationship with Him.

Conclusion

The attributes of God, when examined closely, reveal a complexity beyond our simple human definitions. By carefully considering the implications of terms like omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence, we can gain a more profound appreciation of God's nature and our place in His creation. These attributes are not just labels but deep truths that invite meditation and contemplation.

References

1. The Bible, Exodus 3:14

2. C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain

3. Richard Swinburne, The Existence of God