The omnipotence (which means literally: “any power”) is an unbounded capacity and without end. The religions monotheists usually allot it to God.

Descartes has in particular " proven mathématiquement" the existence of God by deducing from his omnipotence the attributes which grant the perfection and thus the existence to him.

Paradox of omnipotence

See also: Paradox of omnipotence

The paradox of omnipotence is apparent contradiction inherent in the existence of an omnipotent being: such a being could indeed decide actions which limit its own omnipotence. Certain philosophers claim that this proves that omnipotence does not exist. Others are explained the paradox by what one does not include/understand what is the omnipotence or the various possible degrees of omnipotence. Averroès was the first to suggest this paradox.

The problem of the existence of the evil in the Christian religion is a theological question related to this contradiction: Would God, at the origin of all creation, thus also have created the Evil - but why? Perhaps this is to make it possible to define the good because, without the evil, it is impossible to say that something is well…

Omnipotence is a real problem for the religion. It is a paradox necessary. If God exists, it is omnipotent. Therefore, if it is omnipotent, it is able to create a rock so heavy which it cannot itself raise it. But if it cannot raise it, it is thus not omnipotent, therefore there is no God. And vice versa.

See too

• Omnipresence

• Omniscience
• Omnibénévolence