Exploring the Boundaries of Omnipotence: Can God Make 225?

How we perceive the attributes of God, such as omnipotence, often hinges on the interplay between logic and faith. One intriguing query that illuminates this dynamic is: Can God create a situation where 22 equals 5? This article delves into the logic behind this assertion and explores how our understanding of mathematics and logic can challenge or support God's omnipotence.

The Logic Behind the Argument

The argument against God's ability to make 22 equal 5 posits a series of premises rooted in the nature of logic and mathematics:

Logic always exists in some form, whether we perceive it or not. It is an inherent aspect of the universe. Mathematics is an extension of logic. It is a systematic approach to understanding logic. Total omnipotence would not be subject to any form of mathematics. If God had complete power, He would transcend the limitations of logic and mathematics.

Based on these premises, the conclusion drawn is that if God exists and is truly omnipotent, He should be able to create a situation where 22 equals 5. However, since this is not possible, God's omnipotence is called into question. This argument is known as the Logic/Omnipotence Argument.

Contesting the Argument: Physical and Revealed Realities

One defense against this argument maintains that declarations or actions taken by humans can transform the perceived reality for others. For example:

Physical Declarations: When someone declares 225 in writing, speaking, or any other action, it becomes a reality for others who are perceiving it. Just as God creates the universe, He can declare truths that are believed by humans, such as 225. Revelations: God, as the ultimate revealer, can communicate truths through humans, making those truths real for the audience. Examples from the Bible, like the feeding of the 5000, illustrate God working through human means to perform miracles.

The argument contends that the laws and logic of the universe are akin to God's instructions or rules. These rules are part of how God created and sustains the universe. Just as a scientist records their experiment, reflecting a method that the scientist can technically override, the laws of logic and mathematics are divine instructions that God can choose to follow or override.

The Bible and Mathematical Equations

The Bible contains several equations and scenarios that challenge our understanding of logic and reality. For example:

4007Y/n7 - An equation where Y, a positive integer greater than 10, and n, a positive integer less than 10, are used to describe a physical scenario. This equation does not hold true for all possible values, illustrating the limitations of human logic and the divine nature of equations. 50012Y/n5 - Another equation attributed to God in the Bible, this one describes the multiplication of loaves and fishes in John 6:9. These biblical equations serve as divine revelations rather than merely mathematical truths.

It is further argued that these equations should not be interpreted as literal mathematical statements but as divine revelations. The faith and logic required to understand these equations are seen as complementary rather than mutually exclusive.

The Role of Faith in Understanding God's Attributes

The equations in the Bible, whether 4007Y/n7 or 50012Y/n5, highlight the tension between faith and logic. Christians believe that these equations are more about conveying spiritual truths than literal mathematical facts. This viewpoint emphasizes that our understanding of God's attributes cannot be solely based on logical reasoning alone.

In the face of the argument that 22 should equal 5 if God is omnipotent, one must consider the broader scope of faith and divine revelation. Faith looks beyond the limitations of human logic and acknowledges the transcendent power of God, which may operate outside the rigid frameworks of mathematics and logic.

For example, the Bible states that this world will one day come to an end. According to Revelation 21:1, the new heavens and new earth will replace the old one. The rules of physics and mathematics that govern our current reality will be replaced by a new order. In this new reality, the logic and mathematics we understand now may not apply, just as we now understand 225 to be impossible.

Finally, it is important to recognize that Jesus, as the Word of God, is eternal. He promises to endure forever, suggesting a divine attribute that transcends the limitations of time and logic.

Conclusion

The question of whether God can make 22 equal 5 is a fascinating exploration of the boundaries between logic and faith. While the argument challenges God's omnipotence based on the known laws of mathematics and logic, it is important to consider the greater context of divine revelation and the transcendent nature of God's attributes. In the end, faith in God's omnipotence and the capacity for divine revelation offer a broader understanding of the universe and the divine truths that guide it.