My dad had a radio show a few years back where he addressed theological questions, and he had my siblings and I on one time when a guest canceled, and this was the question that I asked! I can't remember now what his answer was, but it's great to finally have an answer that sticks! I really liked the way that you illustrated the 'universe' in the sand. That is such a helpful visual to understand how a rock that took up all of the physical space in the universe, is actually no longer a rock. Since rocks are finite, 'a rock so big that God can't lift it' is by necessity a logical paradox.
I had never heard of this paradox before, it's so interesting. It just reminds me of the importance of defining our terms. Like you said, the basis of this paradox is a misunderstanding of what it means to be all-powerful. Especially in any spiritual conversations, we need to be careful so that there is no room for misunderstanding. Confusion over Christian terms could lead to a misunderstanding of the Gospel.
I like how you were able to explain this in such a short and understandable way. Definitely a video i would point people to if they have this question.
Thank you for sharing this information. I heard this question as a kid, and while I did spend some time trying to figure it out, I eventually just gave up and assumed that I'd never have an answer for it. It's so cool knowing now that if I'm asked it again I can now offer up a response. God bless
I have heard this paradox used as a "gotcha" moment against Christians. This video is helpful in that it defines all powerful and rock. This would definitely help to set key terms if this conversation were to come up! The explanation that the concept itself of an infinite rock is logically incoherent rather than saying God is logically incoherent is really helpful. I often interact with kids and students at my church and could see an older student asking this question. Thanks for the video!
I haven’t heard the rock’s paradox and honestly still not grasping the entire concept. However, I appreciate the reminder about God’s power. People misunderstand God’s power as if His power allows Him to also do evil. This video reminds us that lying and evil is against God’s nature. This should just give believers certainty of God’s immense love for His children.
Thanks for sharing your response here. Craig and Moreland write about this in some depth in the book, Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview: amzn.to/4gWtD13 (Affiliate link)
Your breakdown of the argument here is really helpful to situations where people are setting you up for failure within argument. The defense of God's omnipotence in this particular paradox really shine through with Lewis' quote. The world often tries to distract with nonsense. God is the author of logic and reality, and all things follow in which He has created. Very nicely articulated!
This was such a powerful and clear explanation! I really appreciated the visual drawing of square and stone. It helped me understand that no matter how big the rock, the rock is still confined to a physical space, while God is bigger than space! How cool
This paradox is one I’ve come across talking to people as it can seem like a logical train of thought to follow. However, this paradox can easily be opened and solved a great video like this! Being able to take such a complex, dense, and theologically/ philosophically heavy topic and present it in a simple way that allows people to understand the concept of an “all powerful God”. Which leads to shifting thoughts away from creating a rock that big to God and the love He has for you! That seems bigger than this rock in the paradox !
This video was really interesting, your apologetics class and this video was the first time that I have ever heard of the question "Can God Make a Rock So Big" something that I found interesting was that this video and class helped to clarify that this paradox isn't really a challenge to God's power but rather a misunderstanding of what omnipotence means and how people understand omnipotence. I think that this video also helped me understand how to go around answer questions like this when the kids at my PCM ask me about God and his attributes that can be misunderstood without good context.
I think this question and it’s response is really good to have in your back pocket so that you can always pull it out when someone brings it up to you. I’ve heard it a couple of times, even though I’ve never really heard it practically used (that is, in a situation where it wasn’t meant to be somewhat jocular). But it’s good to have all the same.
I have heard this argument before. It presents itself as a lose-lose situation for Christians, and especially God! And yet, there can be no such thing as an infinitely sized rock. Very eye-opening.
I've heard this argument used against Christians in somewhat absurd ways many times. Often, the philosophical answer that defends the legitimate omnipotence of God can be a little heady and hard to understand, but this video functions as an extremely digestible answer to this question. It is very understandable and easy to follow, and makes the problem very practical.
Will definitely be using this video to explain this question to many who try to use this point against Christianity. Very coherently explained and all points are covered. It is always a good reminder to see the beauty of the all powerful nature God has!
1:14 God being all powerful doesn't mean that god can do anything and everything. In essence, God is limited. If you argue that we can't defy logic then LOGIC is prior to GOD. So, there's no omnipotence.
Descartes held to a kind of universal possibilism, which does require that omnipotence include the ability to create logical absurdities. It’s this definition of omnipotence that leads to the paradox but this is not a biblical definition of omnipotence.
Hi there Dr. Del Rosario...great video! So simple but a great explanation...as I understand it, God is infinite and thus, anything from God that was created must be finite. Therefore, it would be a logical fallacy to presume that a finite object could ever supersede an infinite being in any regard. It will take an eternity for a finite being (me) to understand and fully experience an infinite God! Joy upon joy upon joy in the Lord FOREVER...that is amazing!
Another way I was taught and have come to understand is that there is no point in asking this question. Why would I ever need God to create a rock so big he couldn't lift it? What would this mean to me whether he could or couldn't? This is why questions concerning Gods love or the question of evil are much more prevalent, because they're relevant. Its the same as asking God to make 2+2 =5. Its doesn't make sense and isn't a factor in my faith.
this paradox was confusing at first because I could not understand the science behind it, but know that I am able to understand it is interesting how people who do not understand a all powerful God use this paradox but it was obviously debunked due to the fact that God is all powerful
Part of our problem here is that we are trapped into a set of propositions about God which , while they attempt to summarize the scriptural data, in fact distort it. Simply, the summary of the scriptural data regarding God's capabilities is that he can always achieve what he desires to achieve, with no limit. God is not a party trickster; everything he does has purpose to advance his cause in respect of two things: the redemption of his people (those who turn to him in repentance), and the bringing of the New Creation where all his people will enjoy him forever. Rock manufacture is not part of the plan, nor is the stupid challenge coherent even it its own terms. Firstly, God is spirit and any material action is a triviality for him. He will not do things with no meaning: a 'rock that is bigger than is possible for the one who can do all things he desires to life' in internally incoherent. It has no meaning. The origin of the problem is that either God is conceived of in the image of man: a member of the cosmos, rather than the one who is that he is, or that he is considered to be a material agent; which he is not. All the conundrum does is expose the puerile thinking of the one who utters it.
It really is the idea of an infinite rock that’s incoherent, not the Christian conception of God. “Infinite rock” is just 2 words jammed togher with no referent at all. Thanks for watching and sharing your reaction here.
I loved this video. It was fun to watch and ponder. I have not heard this question but I have heard questions like this. My Son was just over last week and he was trying to ‘know’ (I mean as a know it all) that God is evil and good: God is everything and everything is good including evil and sin 🙄. His argument is that He is in everything and sustains everything so He is responsible for everything. So since He is perfect then everything He makes and sustains is perfect including all evil. My Son seems to need to believe this so that existing is safe for him and he cannot do anything that would take him away from a good god. Oh!- and my Son thinks he is God and we are all God so everyone is good even when they do bad. And he believes we know everything like God but we just don’t remember. So- although I have not heard this question in your video, it’s similar to what questions my Son was trying to justify for his peace of mind 😂.
Thanks for watching and sharing that. I'd say that evil really isn't an actual thing at all but rather the absence of the good that should be there. When human use free will badly and rebel against God, we see instances of evil and suffering. I’m always open to considering new questions to tackle in future videos!
My dad had a radio show a few years back where he addressed theological questions, and he had my siblings and I on one time when a guest canceled, and this was the question that I asked! I can't remember now what his answer was, but it's great to finally have an answer that sticks! I really liked the way that you illustrated the 'universe' in the sand. That is such a helpful visual to understand how a rock that took up all of the physical space in the universe, is actually no longer a rock. Since rocks are finite, 'a rock so big that God can't lift it' is by necessity a logical paradox.
Thanks for sharing this, Faith! Glad you’re now feeling more equipped to engage with this challenge.
I had never heard of this paradox before, it's so interesting. It just reminds me of the importance of defining our terms. Like you said, the basis of this paradox is a misunderstanding of what it means to be all-powerful. Especially in any spiritual conversations, we need to be careful so that there is no room for misunderstanding. Confusion over Christian terms could lead to a misunderstanding of the Gospel.
I like how you were able to explain this in such a short and understandable way. Definitely a video i would point people to if they have this question.
Thanks, Thomas!
Thank you for sharing this information. I heard this question as a kid, and while I did spend some time trying to figure it out, I eventually just gave up and assumed that I'd never have an answer for it. It's so cool knowing now that if I'm asked it again I can now offer up a response. God bless
You’re welcome, Kaia. Glad this was helpful to you!
I have heard this paradox used as a "gotcha" moment against Christians. This video is helpful in that it defines all powerful and rock. This would definitely help to set key terms if this conversation were to come up! The explanation that the concept itself of an infinite rock is logically incoherent rather than saying God is logically incoherent is really helpful. I often interact with kids and students at my church and could see an older student asking this question. Thanks for the video!
I haven’t heard the rock’s paradox and honestly still not grasping the entire concept. However, I appreciate the reminder about God’s power. People misunderstand God’s power as if His power allows Him to also do evil. This video reminds us that lying and evil is against God’s nature. This should just give believers certainty of God’s immense love for His children.
Thanks for sharing your response here. Craig and Moreland write about this in some depth in the book, Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview: amzn.to/4gWtD13 (Affiliate link)
excellent video. Keep making them.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed this one!
Great work!
Thanks, Aaron. I appreciate you watching! What’s another question you’d like me to consider for a future video? Always open to suggestions!
Your breakdown of the argument here is really helpful to situations where people are setting you up for failure within argument. The defense of God's omnipotence in this particular paradox really shine through with Lewis' quote. The world often tries to distract with nonsense. God is the author of logic and reality, and all things follow in which He has created. Very nicely articulated!
Glad this was a clear answer for you. Thanks for sharing!
This was such a powerful and clear explanation! I really appreciated the visual drawing of square and stone. It helped me understand that no matter how big the rock, the rock is still confined to a physical space, while God is bigger than space! How cool
Glad this brought you clarity!
This paradox is one I’ve come across talking to people as it can seem like a logical train of thought to follow. However, this paradox can easily be opened and solved a great video like this! Being able to take such a complex, dense, and theologically/ philosophically heavy topic and present it in a simple way that allows people to understand the concept of an “all powerful God”. Which leads to shifting thoughts away from creating a rock that big to God and the love He has for you! That seems bigger than this rock in the paradox !
This video was really interesting, your apologetics class and this video was the first time that I have ever heard of the question "Can God Make a Rock So Big" something that I found interesting was that this video and class helped to clarify that this paradox isn't really a challenge to God's power but rather a misunderstanding of what omnipotence means and how people understand omnipotence. I think that this video also helped me understand how to go around answer questions like this when the kids at my PCM ask me about God and his attributes that can be misunderstood without good context.
Glad this helped you!
I think this question and it’s response is really good to have in your back pocket so that you can always pull it out when someone brings it up to you. I’ve heard it a couple of times, even though I’ve never really heard it practically used (that is, in a situation where it wasn’t meant to be somewhat jocular). But it’s good to have all the same.
Agreed. Wasn’t on my list of questions to tackle until Dr. Merchant asked me speak to his class about it. Interesting question to work through!
I have heard this argument before. It presents itself as a lose-lose situation for Christians, and especially God! And yet, there can be no such thing as an infinitely sized rock. Very eye-opening.
Indeed. Glad you found it helpful and relevant. Thanks for your comment, Daniel!
Nice video
Glad you liked it. Is there similar question you’d like to me to consider for a future video?
I've heard this argument used against Christians in somewhat absurd ways many times. Often, the philosophical answer that defends the legitimate omnipotence of God can be a little heady and hard to understand, but this video functions as an extremely digestible answer to this question. It is very understandable and easy to follow, and makes the problem very practical.
🤔 Question of the day: Have you ever heard of this question before? Let me know in the comments. ⬇ ⬇ ⬇
I just heard it recently. Sir I have a short answer that sounds like a good one. Shall I share it?
Will definitely be using this video to explain this question to many who try to use this point against Christianity. Very coherently explained and all points are covered. It is always a good reminder to see the beauty of the all powerful nature God has!
Glad you found it easy to track with. Thanks for watching and sharing this!
Great explanation for this interesting question. 😅
Glad you liked this! I appreciate you letting me know!
1:14
God being all powerful doesn't mean that god can do anything and everything.
In essence, God is limited. If you argue that we can't defy logic then LOGIC is prior to GOD. So, there's no omnipotence.
Descartes held to a kind of universal possibilism, which does require that omnipotence include the ability to create logical absurdities. It’s this definition of omnipotence that leads to the paradox but this is not a biblical definition of omnipotence.
Hi there Dr. Del Rosario...great video! So simple but a great explanation...as I understand it, God is infinite and thus, anything from God that was created must be finite. Therefore, it would be a logical fallacy to presume that a finite object could ever supersede an infinite being in any regard. It will take an eternity for a finite being (me) to understand and fully experience an infinite God! Joy upon joy upon joy in the Lord FOREVER...that is amazing!
Thanks for sharing your reaction here. More teaching vlogs to come!
Another way I was taught and have come to understand is that there is no point in asking this question. Why would I ever need God to create a rock so big he couldn't lift it? What would this mean to me whether he could or couldn't? This is why questions concerning Gods love or the question of evil are much more prevalent, because they're relevant. Its the same as asking God to make 2+2 =5. Its doesn't make sense and isn't a factor in my faith.
this paradox was confusing at first because I could not understand the science behind it, but know that I am able to understand it is interesting how people who do not understand a all powerful God use this paradox but it was obviously debunked due to the fact that God is all powerful
Thanks for watching. Glad it’s less confusing for you now!
Part of our problem here is that we are trapped into a set of propositions about God which , while they attempt to summarize the scriptural data, in fact distort it. Simply, the summary of the scriptural data regarding God's capabilities is that he can always achieve what he desires to achieve, with no limit.
God is not a party trickster; everything he does has purpose to advance his cause in respect of two things: the redemption of his people (those who turn to him in repentance), and the bringing of the New Creation where all his people will enjoy him forever. Rock manufacture is not part of the plan, nor is the stupid challenge coherent even it its own terms. Firstly, God is spirit and any material action is a triviality for him. He will not do things with no meaning: a 'rock that is bigger than is possible for the one who can do all things he desires to life' in internally incoherent. It has no meaning.
The origin of the problem is that either God is conceived of in the image of man: a member of the cosmos, rather than the one who is that he is, or that he is considered to be a material agent; which he is not. All the conundrum does is expose the puerile thinking of the one who utters it.
It really is the idea of an infinite rock that’s incoherent, not the Christian conception of God. “Infinite rock” is just 2 words jammed togher with no referent at all. Thanks for watching and sharing your reaction here.
I loved this video. It was fun to watch and ponder. I have not heard this question but I have heard questions like this. My Son was just over last week and he was trying to ‘know’ (I mean as a know it all) that God is evil and good: God is everything and everything is good including evil and sin 🙄. His argument is that He is in everything and sustains everything so He is responsible for everything. So since He is perfect then everything He makes and sustains is perfect including all evil.
My Son seems to need to believe this so that existing is safe for him and he cannot do anything that would take him away from a good god. Oh!- and my Son thinks he is God and we are all God so everyone is good even when they do bad. And he believes we know everything like God but we just don’t remember.
So- although I have not heard this question in your video, it’s similar to what questions my Son was trying to justify for his peace of mind 😂.
Thanks for watching and sharing that. I'd say that evil really isn't an actual thing at all but rather the absence of the good that should be there. When human use free will badly and rebel against God, we see instances of evil and suffering. I’m always open to considering new questions to tackle in future videos!