The Nexus of Omniscience, Omnipotence, and Free Will: An Exploration

The interplay between omniscience, omnipotence, and free will has fascinated philosophers, theologians, and ethicists for centuries. These three attributes—infinitely perfect knowledge, boundless power, and the ability to make choices—are often seen as contradictory. This article explores how these qualities coexist and what implications this has for our understanding of God and ourselves.

Omniscience and Free Will:

One can argue that even with perfect knowledge, one still retains the freedom to make choices. For instance, if I have perfect knowledge, I can sit or stand, walk or run, and I all the time maintain the freedom to choose. This principle suggests that knowledge, by itself, does not threaten free will.

The Omniscient Computer Scenario

Imagine a scenario where an omniscient being feeds their knowledge into a computer. While the computer can calculate based on known algorithms, the omniscient being can look at a vast array of potential outcomes, recognize the best course of action, and still retain free will. The ability to consider so many possibilities provides the basis for a choice, thus maintaining free will.

Omnipotence and Its Impact on Free Will

The addition of omnipotence, or limitless power, further complicates the issue. With omnipotence, mistakes are impossible, and all choices lead to perfect outcomes. However, this sheer power does not negate free will either. In fact, the decision to choose a particular path, even if it seems unfavorable, underscores the sovereignty of free will over the mere possibility of making an error.

A Theological Perspective

In theological terms, omnipotence does not remove the space for moral and ethical decisions. If a being can do anything, the choice of making a morally right or wrong decision remains a free choice.

Theological Implications: The Fall of Adam and Eve

A specific scenario drawn from religious texts, such as the story of Adam and Eve in the Bible, illustrate the coexistence of these attributes. God, being omniscient and omnipotent, knew in advance that Adam and Eve would choose to eat from the tree of knowledge. However, He still gave them free will to make that choice. God's love and His intention to give humanity the freedom of choice are evident in this narrative.

Exegesis and Practical Application

The story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3 not only shows God's foreknowledge, but also his desire to give humanity a choice. This episode underscores the importance of understanding and acting on divine will without external coercion. The righteous, as stated in Psalm 37:29, will indeed possess the earth and live forever in it. This promise emphasizes the value of remaining faithful and righteous despite the challenges presented by a world that includes free will.

Conclusion: The Fragility of Human Free Will

While God, as conceived in various religious traditions, is omniscient, omnipotent, and has an eternal existence, human beings experience only a finite existence with finite knowledge and limited power. Yet, our free will remains a critical aspect of our humanity, allowing us to make choices that shape our lives and futures.

Final Thoughts on Free Will

The desire to be an "instantiated being," as mentioned, highlights a hunger for a more grounded and direct experience. While the infinite possibilities offered by omniscience, omnipotence, and eternal existence may be fascinating, the finite realities of human existence, with all the unpredictability and challenges they bring, can also be deeply fulfilling when we exercise our free will to the fullest.