LessonsDivine Attributes: Neither Identical to nor Separate from the EssenceQuiz

A plurality of attributes does not entail a plurality of gods. Many attributes of one essence and many independent essences are different propositions.

“God knows” and “God is powerful” have one subject but different predicates. To turn that plurality of predications into multiple independently necessary beings requires an additional argument that has not been established.

The affirmation of real attributes remains consistent with monotheism because the attributes subsist with the one divine essence, not as autonomous divine agents. This answers the attempted inference from multiple perfections to multiple deities.

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Real attributes do not multiply gods

Divine Attributes: Neither Identical to nor Separate from the Essence

A plurality of attributes does not entail a plurality of gods. Many attributes of one essence and many independent essences are different propositions.

“God knows” and “God is powerful” have one subject but different predicates. To turn that plurality of predications into multiple independently necessary beings requires an additional argument that has not been established.

The affirmation of real attributes remains consistent with monotheism because the attributes subsist with the one divine essence, not as autonomous divine agents. This answers the attempted inference from multiple perfections to multiple deities.