If God is omnipotent, omniscient and wholly good, whence…
“If God is omnipotent, omniscient and wholly good, whence evil? If God wills to prevent evil but cannot, then He is not omnipotent. If He can prevent evil but does not, then he is not good. In either case he is not God.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He presents a logical argument that an omnipotent, omniscient, and wholly good God cannot coexist with evil.
In simple terms: If God is all‑powerful, all‑knowing, and all‑good, evil cannot exist.
Key Takeaway
Question the compatibility of divine attributes with evil.
Themes
theology
philosophy
problem of evil
Mood
skeptical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- debates
- academic study
- personal belief
- moral reasoning
Key Concepts
logic
ethics
metaphysics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do different traditions define divine power?
- Can evil be reconciled with a benevolent deity?
A Different Perspective
The argument assumes a specific definition of divine attributes.