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In process theology dipolar theism is the position that in order to conceive a perfect God, one must conceive Him as embodying the "good" in sometimes-opposing characteristics, and therefore cannot be understood to embody only one set of characteristics. For instance, here are some characteristics commonly associated with God: :One — Many :Transcendent — Immanent :Eternal — Temporal :Mutable — Immutable :Merciful — Just :Simple — Complex Dipolar theism holds that in each pair, both of the characteristics contain some element of good. In order to embody all perfections, therefore, God must embody the good in ''both'' characteristics, and cannot be limited to one, because a God limited to one would suffer the limits of the one, and lack the good in the other. For instance, there is a "good" in being just, and also a good in being merciful. In being just, God determines that the good are rewarded and the evil are punished. In being merciful, God forgives those who sin. It follows, therefore, that a God that was ''only'' just or ''only'' merciful would be less than perfect. Dipolar theism holds that a perfect God must embody the good in ''both'' of those characteristics. Thus, a perfect God has the "good" characteristics of justice ''and'' the good characteristics of mercy. Alternatively, there is good in having absolute power, and good in leading by persuasion. For a God to be perfect, he cannot rule solely by predestination, because then he would lack the good possessed by a God who led by persuasion. God must therefore embody the "good" in both power and persuasion. From this conclusion, some reject the existence of an omnipotent God. ==Critique of dipolar theism== Those rejecting dipolar theism argue that it fails to distinguish between what we ''think'' God is and what God ''actually'' is. Just because we think God should be a certain way in order to embody our idea of perfection does not mean he embodies those characteristics in reality. This critique is analogous to the critique of Anselm's ontological argument by Gaunilo: "Just because I can imagine a perfect island does not mean that it actually exists. Things are what they are no matter what I think they should be." 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Dipolar theism」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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