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If God is God He is not good, if God is good He is not…

“If God is God He is not good, if God is good He is not God; take the even, take the odd.” quote by Archibald MacLeish
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“If God is God He is not good, if God is good He is not God; take the even, take the odd.”

Archibald MacLeish

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote highlights a paradox: attributing both divine perfection and moral goodness to God creates a logical conflict, suggesting that defining God by human standards is problematic.

In simple terms: God cannot be both all-powerful and wholly good by human logic.

Key Takeaway

Question assumptions about divine attributes.

Themes

philosophy paradox theology

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

theoretical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • religious debate
  • philosophical discussion
  • theological study

Key Concepts

logic contradiction metaphysics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do different faiths reconcile divine power and goodness?
  • Can human language capture divine nature?
A Different Perspective

The statement may oversimplify complex theological concepts.

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