Does scripture indicate that God is omniscient?

[iaskquestions]

I would be inclined to view the OP more charitably as a questioning Catholic.

That’s more Christ like!

“As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions.” (Romans 14:1)

Yes, I’m ignorant of a lot of Catholic teachings, but it is the state of our Church over here. Our priests just don’t teach the Catechism properly. In fact, that’s the reason why I’ve come here to ask you people.

I may be ignorant of Catholic teachings, that’s an area where I can improve a lot, but I’m certainly not ignorant of scripture.

 

[iaskquestions]

**Yes, if you claim to be Catholic, you believe that God is all-knowing. Haven’t you ever recited the Nicene Creed in mass on Sunday? We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

**

We don’t recite the Nicene Creed in our church, but the Apostles’ Creed. That’s what I’ve been saying all my life. And it does not have the words “of all that is seen and unseen”. Thanks for the information though. Now that I know that the Church teaches that God is omniscient, I think I’ll have to resign myself to the fact that Genesis 18:20-21 has to be interpreted in an anthropomorphic sense.
elvisman;3842224:

I already pointed out several Scripture verses that point to this truth in my post #9

Yes, but the one verse in Genesis was the problem. Likewise, Protestants also quote several verses in favour of “Faith Alone” but it is the one verse James 2:24 that defeats the argument. That’s why I was unmoved even after you quoted so many verses.

 

[po18guy]

John 21:17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”

Now, this may verge on inductive reasoning, but if Christ knows all things, except the hour of His return, does that not indicate that the Father does, indeed, know all?

Peace be to you.

 

[elvisman]

We don’t recite the Nicene Creed in our church, but the Apostles’ Creed. That’s what I’ve been saying all my life. And it does not have the words “of all that is seen and unseen”. Thanks for the information though. Now that I know that the Church teaches that God is omniscient, I think I’ll have to resign myself to the fact that Genesis 18:20-21 has to be interpreted in an anthropomorphic sense.

Yes, but the one verse in Genesis was the problem. Likewise, Protestants also quote several verses in favour of “Faith Alone” but it is the one verse James 2:24 that defeats the argument. That’s why I was unmoved even after you quoted so many verses.

I find it difficult to believe that the Nicene Creed isn’t recited at mass in your parish. I know that there are renegade, disobedient priests who think that they can make up their own rules - and this may be such a case.

The rubrics call for the Nicene Creed to be recited at Sunday masses. The Apostles Creed is only approved for children’s masses.
That being said, the Church has always taught that God is omniscient.

 

[iaskquestions]

I find it difficult to believe that the Nicene Creed isn’t recited at mass in your parish.

I’ve been saying the Apostles’ Creed at Mass since my childhood days. In fact I didn’t even have the faintest idea of Nicene Creed before you guys mentioned it today!

That being said, the Church has always taught that God is omniscient.

Yes, and I have accepted the fact (read post #22).

 

[Cattitude]

Yes, but the one verse in Genesis was the problem. Likewise, Protestants also quote several verses in favour of “Faith Alone” but it is the one verse James 2:24 that defeats the argument. That’s why I was unmoved even after you quoted so many verses.

Not to nit-pick, but there is a lot more to disprove “faith alone” that just James 2:24, but that’s better left for another thread.

As to God’s omniscience:

Check out this great thread, specifically post #12:
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=48465

There are multiple verses which can be used to show that God is not omniscient if you try to interpret them yourself. Fortunately, once you look at what the Church teaches, you don’t fall into that trap and can see what the meaning of those verses truly is. That’s what’s so great about Catholicism! (one of the things, anyway)

The idea of God’s omniscience is not one that is easy to wrap our finite human brains around. Some of it you just have to give up to faith.

Here is another good read on The Nature and Attributes of God from Catholic Encyclopedia that also discusses this topic:
newadvent.org/cathen/06612a.htm

 

[thistle]

That’s more Christ like!

“As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions.” (Romans 14:1)

Yes, I’m ignorant of a lot of Catholic teachings, but it is the state of our Church over here. Our priests just don’t teach the Catechism properly. In fact, that’s the reason why I’ve come here to ask you people.

I may be ignorant of Catholic teachings, that’s an area where I can improve a lot, but I’m certainly not ignorant of scripture.

Point taken about being uncharitable for which I’m sorry.

You say you are not ignorant of scripture. Do you self study or are you part of a parish bible study group?
On the Church teachings, basically all the Church teaching are summarised in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (or if you prefer in the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church which is in a question and answer format). Don’t you read the CCC to find out what the Church teaches. Both are free online.

I live in the Philippines and here we only say the Apostles Creed at Mass. Which country do you live in?

 

[iaskquestions]

Do you self study or are you part of a parish bible study group?

I don’t have time to attend the theology course so I do self study most of the time. I don’t think our parish has a bible study group.

On the Church teachings, basically all the Church teaching are summarised in the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Ya, I know. I bought that book last year, but I haven’t read it so much.

I live in the Philippines and here we only say the Apostles Creed at Mass. Which country do you live in?

I’m from India.

 

[Bruno_Schulz]

Yes scripture indicates on many verses that God is omniscient. One of them is the allegory Jesus told us in Luc 12:7. (Our hair are counted, means; God knows EVERYTHING).
And in Math 6:32 where we are told, that God knows what we want to say, before we have said so.
One thing however, not even Jesus knew; the day of last judgement (Mk 13,32) but the Father alone knows.
Yes again; God is omniscient!
It’s more than obvious.

 

[yinekka]

Iaskquestions, if you find the Catechism a little difficult why not start with the Compendium of the Catechsim and then progress on to the CCC?

 

[Bruno_Schulz]

Life is a preparation for eternity/QUOTE]

you say: Life is a preparation for eternity. I would say, it’s rather than that, a probation for the worthyness to get to heaven.
Life is a preparation for eternity

Ok. as I said before in this forum (earning harsh disapproval) - I never had a Catechism (accept as small child when we in school 1947 had to have one; - I was 7 then and had an old used one, as we where to poor to buy a new one).
Most of our Holies didn’t have one, but they understood without.
The world however has to have " a Catechism" which is the teaching of the church, which was foundet for that teaching bei Jesus Christ.

I - when I was young man of about 40, I met an old lady who hardly ever had red a book and she was unable to speak fluent language and express herself properly. She not only believed in God, but she lived in God as a matter of course, as many of the Holies did. I at that time as today, considered her as a holy person and she lives in Gods kingdom doday.
However;

• she told me: When you pray, pray in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, then you REALLY prayed and God will hear you.

“Self studies” - ok - all right. But actually, believe in God and understanding, (as far as we allowed to understand) is hardly a matter of studies. It’s a matter of WANTING TO UNDERSTAND. If we really want to understand, understanding is given to us, no matter if we are intellectuals or never saw a school in our life.

 

[Bruno_Schulz]

worthyness

Sorry, my posting above is full of spelling mistakes. Sadly enough, after awhile, one can not edit any more. Here’s the thing again - corrected:​

Life is a preparation for eternity/QUOTE]

you say: Life is a preparation for eternity. I would say, it’s rather than that, a probation for the worthiness to get to heaven.

Never mind
As I said before in several Catholic forums (earning harsh disapproval) - I never had a Catechism (accept when I was a small child when we in 1947 in school we had to have one; - I was 7 then and had an old used one, as we where to poor to buy a new one).
Most of our Holies didn’t have one, but they understood without. More believing people than not, don’t have one and live in God all the same.
The world however has to have “a Catechism” which is the teaching of the church, which was founded for that teaching by Jesus Christ.

I - when I was young man of about 40, I met an old lady who hardly ever had red a book and she was unable to speak fluent language and express herself properly. She not only believed in God, but she lived in God as a matter of course, as many of the Holies did. I at that time as today, considered her as a holy person and she lives in Gods kingdom today.

It was hr however, who taught me: When you pray, pray in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, then you REALLY prayed and God will hear you.

“Self studies” - ok - all right. But actually, believe in God and understanding, (as far as we allowed to understand) is hardly a matter of studies. It’s a far more so a matter of WANTING TO UNDERSTAND. If we really want to understand, understanding is given to us, no matter if we are intellectuals or never saw a school in our life.