Atheism Quote by Frank Sheed
““The less instructed atheist will ask whether God can make a weight so heavy that He cannot lift it, in the happy belief that, whichever answer we give, we shall admit that there is something God cannot do. But the question is literally meaningless: a weight than an omnipotent Being cannot lift is as complete a contradiction in terms as a four-sided triangle. In either case the words are English, but do not mean anything because they cancel each other out. There is no point in piling together a lot of words, regardless of their meaning, and then asking triumphantly: 'Can God make that?' God can do anything, but a contradiction in terms is not a thing at all. It is nothing. God Himself could not make a four-sided triangle or a weight that Almighty power could not lift. They are inconceivable, they are nothing; and nothing--to give a slightly different emphasis to Scripture--is impossible to God.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Theology of the Christian Faith by Frank Sheed, 1950
The quote argues that omnipotence does not include the ability to do logically contradictory things, because contradictions are not "things" that can be acted upon.
In simple terms: God cannot do what is logically impossible.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits of language in describing divine power.
Themes
theology
logic
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
apologetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- debates on divine attributes
- philosophical discussions
- religious education
- theological apologetics
Key Concepts
omnipotence
paradox
language limits
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean for a concept to be "nothing"?
- Can language ever fully describe divine nature?
A Different Perspective
The argument assumes a specific logical framework that may not capture all theological perspectives.
