The Limitations of Human Knowledge: Does God Know It All?

In the realm of faith and belief, the question of whether God knows everything—or indeed, anything people know—often arises. This article explores this intriguing topic by examining the contrast between human knowledge and the divine, specifically within the context of the concept of God's omnipotence and omniscience.

Human Knowledge vs. Divine Perspective

One striking observation is that there is nothing that people have learned or discovered that excludes the knowledge of God. It is often said, 'There is nothing people know that God does not.' This assertion is supported by the Bible's statement that God knows how many hairs are on our heads, and has created more stars than grains of sand in the universe. Even the intricate design of snowflakes, with each having six points but none alike, showcases God's detailed attention to detail.

However, if we delve deeper into the question, some might argue that even these seemingly immutable facts could vary in the divine realm. For instance, when it comes to specific human experiences and emotions, like the feelings associated with sin, separation, and the mere act of creating a snow angel, God's divine nature might exclude such experiential knowledge. Jesus, as a human incarnation of God, felt hunger, temptation, and sorrow, but His divine perspective might differ from our mortal ones. This paradox challenges the absolute omniscience of God.

Human Understanding and Divine Revelation

Another aspect of this discussion involves the acknowledgment of truths that people have discovered, but that do not align with certain traditional beliefs or interpretations. For example, people understand that slavery is morally wrong, while the concept of no firmament and the evolving universe concept are not part of traditional religious teachings. Similarly, modern advancements in fields like technology and architecture are not necessarily known by those with traditional religious views. However, God, as the ultimate creator, possesses all knowledge and understanding of these truths and more.

It is important to recognize that our understanding of the world has evolved significantly over time. Theological understanding was formed before modern science, and it is not unusual for these disciplines to diverge. The Bible, while still relevant, does not have an update mechanism for natural sciences. Therefore, we should acknowledge that our current knowledge is still a work in progress and that God’s knowledge encompasses both the ancient and the modern.

Divine Perspective and Human Experience

Human experiences, such as feeling helpless, the satisfaction of learning new skills, fear of death, and the elation of hope, are deeply personal and emotionally charged. These feelings are the essence of human existence and often define our connection with the divine. While an omniscient being might possess comprehensive knowledge, it’s challenging to imagine how it can experience these feelings in the same way humans do. The concept of divine omnipotence may imply unparalleled power but does not necessarily include the same range of emotional experience as humans.

It is here that the theological distinction between divine omniscience and human experience becomes clear. Divine omniscience suggests that God has all knowledge, including that which we acquire, but does not necessarily encompass the same subjective experience. God’s knowledge is absolute and comprehensive, but human experiences like love, pain, and learning are personal and non-transferable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while God's omniscience means He possesses all knowledge, the human-centered nature of our experiences suggests that there may be a disparity in how these experiences are perceived. The belief in God’s omnipotence and omniscience does not negate this possibility. Instead, it invites a deeper exploration of the relationship between divine and human knowledge, highlighting the unique nature of human experience in contrast to the divine perspective.

Understanding these nuances enriches our faith and helps us navigate the complex interplay of human knowledge and divine wisdom. As we grapple with these ideas, we continue to grow and develop a more holistic view of the divine and the human experience. This understanding does not diminish God’s knowledge but rather adds to its depth and complexity.