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Even though God could create all kinds of things, he could…

“Even though God could create all kinds of things, he could hardly create himself before he had a "self" to create with. So there was only one possibility left: God had always existed. But she had already rejected that possibility! Everything that existed had to have a beginning.” quote by Jostein Gaarder
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““Even though God could create all kinds of things, he could hardly create himself before he had a "self" to create with. So there was only one possibility left: God had always existed. But she had already rejected that possibility! Everything that existed had to have a beginning.””

Jostein Gaarder

About This Quote

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

The passage argues that if God existed eternally, He could not create Himself without a prior self, leading to a paradox about creation and existence.

In simple terms: Eternal existence creates a paradox of self-creation.

Key Takeaway

Contemplate the limits of logical reasoning.

Themes

philosophy theology paradox

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

philosophical theological

When to use this quote

  • theological debate
  • philosophical study
  • personal belief

Key Concepts

existence creation logic

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does this paradox reveal about human understanding?
  • How do you reconcile faith with logical limits?
A Different Perspective

The argument assumes a specific theological framework.

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