omnipotence

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omnipotence

theology

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July 1, 2026

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In theology, omnipotence refers to the quality or state of being all-powerful. It is the belief that God possesses unlimited power and authority. This concept is central to many religions, where God is considered the supreme and ultimate Being.123

However, the idea of an omnipotent being raises theological and philosophical questions, notably the problem of evil. This problem arises when considering that an all-powerful, all-good God permits evil to exist in the world. Theologians and philosophers have proposed various explanations, known as theodicies, to reconcile God's omnipotence and goodness with the reality of suffering and evil. These explanations often involve concepts like free will, the idea that evil is a consequence of human choices, or that suffering can lead to moral growth.45

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creation myth
Creation by a supreme being
…is all wise and all powerful. The world comes into being because of his wisdom, and he is able to actualize the world because of his power. (2) The deity exists alone prior to the creation of the world. There is no being or thing prior to his existence. No…
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…is all wise and all powerful. The world comes into being because of his wisdom, and he is able to actualize the world because of his power. (2) The deity exists alone prior to the creation of the world. There is no being or thing prior to his existence. No…
Read More

philosophy of religion
God and human action
…sum of perfection and is omnipotent and omniscient. Questions have arisen not only about the exact meaning of these claims but also about their consistency with widespread beliefs about human beings, chiefly the belief that they usually act freely and responsibly and should be held accountable for their actions. If…
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…sum of perfection and is omnipotent and omniscient. Questions have arisen not only about the exact meaning of these claims but also about their consistency with widespread beliefs about human beings, chiefly the belief that they usually act freely and responsibly and should be held accountable for their actions. If…
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problem of evil
…following three propositions: God is almighty, God is perfectly good, and evil exists.
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…following three propositions: God is almighty, God is perfectly good, and evil exists.
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Qadariyyah
…is equal to denying God’s omnipotence and his absolute creative power. Two compromise views were held by moderate theological schools, the Ashʿariyyah and the Māturīdiyyah.
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…is equal to denying God’s omnipotence and his absolute creative power. Two compromise views were held by moderate theological schools, the Ashʿariyyah and the Māturīdiyyah.
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