If your God is so powerful . . .

Can he create a rock so big, even he himself could not lift it?

Whoa.

This question is rather old, yet is continually brought up as if it's a new one, and continually stumps any theist, though it's usually used against Christians in particular. The trump is set up with a few questions pitched at the believer which the inquisitor is sure will result in a strong and assured "yes."

"Do you believe in God?"
"Yes."
"Do you believe God is all powerful?"
"Yes."
"Do you believe God can do anything?"
"Yes!"
"Then answer me this: if your God is so powerful, can he create a rock so big, even he himself could not lift it?"

Actually the question makes a very good point, and I'd even say that it's pretense is right on. It's pointing out how a God who is all powerful, and can do anything doesn't make sense. I agree-- it doesn't make any sense. A lot of angry Christians have said in response "Well, that question just doesn't make any sense!" My fellow believers, I'm sorry, but you're wrong: the question makes perfect sense, and the non-believer is right. It's not the question, but the God itself that does not make sense.

Now, here's where we get tripped up:
"Do you believe God can do anything?"

You should say no, because

GOD CAN'T DO ANYTHING


The believer really does have a good heart desire: they love God, think very highly of Him, and are eager to come to the defense of anyone questioning the Lord's eternal qualities. OF COURSE they're going to say God can do anything-- a higher being who can do anything is pretty much what the whole idea of God is based around! But in the case of the Judeo-Christian God, there are things that God cannot do, and you'll see what I'm talking about here:

-God can't lie
-God can't go against his Word
-God can't not do something he said he will
-God can't do something he said he wouldn't
(which is why)
-God can't destroy Satan
-God can't flood the earth a second time

-God can't self-destruct, or end his existence
-God can't create something that doesn't make sense
-God can't create anything beyond himself, since adding to what is already infinite simply is not possible. Despite what 7-year-olds would have us believe, there is no infinity+1

(and therefore)

-God can't create a rock so big, even he himself could not lift it.


Make sense? Our God is all-powerful (meaning whatever can be done, He has the power to do), but that doesn't mean He can do anything. Ready for another humdinger? Can God imagine vastness, such as the vastness of eternity? I'd say no, God can't imagine vastness because it requires him to imagine something beyond himself, against which he can measure. That is impossible, for God is all, and cannot be measured against, or beyond.