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Cases Quote by David Hume

“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.” quote by David Hume
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“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.”

David Hume

About This Quote

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.

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