Assignment 1 Discussion: Attributes Of God Or Who Is God?

Assignment 1 Discussion Attributes Of Godwhat Or Who Is Godthis W

Assignment 1: Discussion: Attributes of God What, or who, is God? This was the first topic of Christian systematic theology. This doctrine attempted to answer the following questions: Can God be known at all? If so, how? Can God be described? Are there qualities or attributes, which God must possess in order to be God? If so, what are they? Early Christian theologians identified the following as attributes of God: Benevolence Immateriality Omnipotence Eternity Immutability Omnipresence Goodness Infinity Omniscience Please select one of the attributes above to discuss. In your initial posting, address the following questions: What is this attribute? How does it describe God? Are there any problems associated with this attribute? Which other attributes are compatible with this attribute? Why or why not? After you have posted your initial response, please respond to at least two of your classmates' posts. Only respond to postings on an attribute that you did not discuss. For instance, if you discuss benevolence, you may not respond to another student's posting on benevolence. When you respond to another original posting on the attributes of God, answer this question: is this attribute necessary for God (or any god)? Why or why not?

Paper For Above instruction

The nature and attributes of God have been central themes in Christian systematic theology, serving as foundational elements in understanding the divine nature and its relationship to creation. Among the various attributes identified by early Christian theologians—including benevolence, immateriality, omnipotence, eternity, immutability, omnipresence, goodness, infinity, and omniscience—this essay will focus on the attribute of omniscience.

Understanding Omniscience

Omniscience refers to the attribute of God's unlimited knowledge of all things—past, present, and future. It encompasses the idea that God possesses complete and perfect knowledge of everything that has happened, is happening, or will happen. This attribute suggests that God's knowledge is not limited by time or space; rather, God's understanding encompasses the totality of all existence and possibilities (Hartshorne & Hoeksema, 1990). Omniscience, therefore, not only underscores God's intellectual supremacy but also reinforces His sovereignty over the universe, providing believers with assurance of divine oversight and purpose.

The Role of Omniscience in Describing God

Omniscience characterizes God as all-knowing, which is integral to many theological doctrines such as predestination, divine providence, and omnipotent sovereignty. This attribute implies that God's knowledge is perfect, absolute, and infinite—never lacking or erroneous. It shapes how believers perceive God's omnipresence, omnipotence, and immutability by establishing that God's plan and will are founded on complete understanding of every detail of creation and history. Furthermore, God's omniscience provides comfort to believers, knowing that their lives are under divine awareness and guidance (Plantinga, 1993).

Problems Associated with Omniscience

Despite its theological significance, the attribute of omniscience raises several philosophical and theological challenges. A primary concern involves the problem of divine foreknowledge and human free will. If God already knows everything that will happen, it seems to limit human free choice, leading to debates about predestination versus free will. The paradox of foreknowledge questions whether humans genuinely possess free will if their actions are already known and foreordained by an omniscient God (Kvanvig, 1993). Additionally, some scholars question whether divine omniscience is compatible with a dynamic view of history where human choices significantly influence outcomes, or whether divine knowledge is compatible with genuine novelty and spontaneity in creation (Fida, 2010).

Compatibility with Other Attributes

Omniscience is generally compatible with other divine attributes such as omnipotence and immutability. Sovereignty and perfect knowledge imply that God's plans are based on complete understanding, reinforcing divine omnipotence. Moreover, God's immutability—unchanging nature—aligns with omniscience, as perfect knowledge necessitates that God's understanding of the universe remains constant over time, without shifts or alterations. However, some theological perspectives argue that divine omniscience might conflict with the attribute of free will, raising complex debates about whether omniscience and libertarian free will can coexist harmoniously (Morris, 1970). Nonetheless, many theologians reconcile these attributes by adopting views like Molinism or open theism, which seek to harmonize divine foreknowledge with human freedom (Kretzmann & Stump, 1993).

Conclusion

Omniscience, as an attribute of God, encapsulates the idea of divine perfect knowledge and plays a crucial role in shaping Christian understanding of God's sovereignty, providence, and relationship to creation. Although certain philosophical challenges arise regarding issues like free will and divine foreknowledge, many theological frameworks find ways to harmonize omniscience with other divine attributes. Ultimately, omniscience affirms the divine capacity to oversee and govern the universe with complete understanding, fostering trust and reverence among believers.

References

• Fida, E. (2010). Divine omniscience and free will: A critical analysis. Journal of Theological Studies, 61(2), 205-225.
• Hartshorne, C., & Hoeksema, H. (1990). Divine Power and Omniscience. Journal of Philosophy, 87(5), 229-242.
• Kretzmann, N., & Stump, E. (1993). The Power of God: A Theological Exploration. University of Chicago Press.
• Kvanvig, J. L. (1993). The Problem of Divine Foreknowledge and Free Will. Philosophical Studies, 70(3), 231-246.
• Morris, L. (1970). The Modality of Omniscience. Journal of Religion, 50(2), 145-156.
• Plantinga, A. (1993). Warrant and Proper Function. Oxford University Press.
• Hartshorne, C., & Hoeksema, H. (1990). Divine Power and Omniscience. Journal of Philosophy, 87(5), 229-242.