Zeus from Greek Mythology is more powerful than the God of the Bible

I will use three separate definitions for Powerful and argue that Zeus is superior in ALL of them. 

• (Macmillan) Able to influence or control people.
  

Power, as previously defined, means the ability to act or produce an effect. God in the Bible is portrayed as being able to do anything. To give a quote of this, "God can do anything, you know — far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!" (Ephesians 3:20-21). Clearly, this means God can act to do anything and produce any effect, which under the definition of power makes him extremely powerful. According to Ducksters.com, Zeus "had a number of powers. His most famous power is the ability to throw lightning bolts". So, he had a strong ability to act and produce effects, but he could not do every act and produce every effect like the biblical God. Clearly, this shows that the biblical God has more power than Zeus. 

• Athlete #1 is a professional boxer that has been training his whole life, but only went pro at age 20. 
  
• Athlete #2 is an MMA fighter who only knows boxing, kick-boxing, jiu-jitsu, and wrestling but has only trained for six months in each of these. 
  

Prestige, as previously defined, means the standing or estimation in the eyes of people. So, let's look at the standing or estimation that both the biblical God and Zeus have in the eyes of most people. According to Worlddata.info, "Christianity has the most followers worldwide with over 2.2 billion believers". According to Wikipedia, there are "2,000 adherents to the Hellenic tradition in Greece". To those unfamiliar, the Hellenic tradition in Greece is the religion which believes in Zeus. Zeus, in the eyes of most people is a false deity and thus heavily lacks standing or estimation in the eyes of people, with only 2000 straying from this belief. The biblical God is also seen as a false deity and lacks standing or estimation in the eyes of the people for many, but 2.2 billion stray from this belief and increase the biblical God's prestige, which is far more than Zeus. Thus, the biblical God has more prestige than Zeus.

Influence, as previously defined, means the power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways. As covered previously, the biblical God can do absolutely anything, including causing any effect he wants in an indirect or an intangible way. For instance, the biblical God can use the fact that he can do absolutely anything to peer into the possibilities of the future, and cause some effect by doing something small and letting that domino into an effect that he wants in the future (i.e. the butterfly effect). Zeus, on the other hand, is limited in what he can do and thus lacks the same influence. Thus, the biblical God also has more influence than Zeus. 

There are two things that this definition cites as being powerful: Having great power or force and exerting great power or force. Clearly, the biblical God has more power than Zeus as God can do anything he wants while Zeus is limited in what he can do. However, God also exerts greater power or force than Zeus as well. To give some quotes that show this, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). Clearly, creating the entire Earth and making an afterlife in heaven is exerting great force. "So God made the two large lights. He made the larger light to rule during the day and the smaller light to rule during the night. He also made the stars" (Genesis 1:16). Making the Sun, Moon, and every single star in the sky is also an instance of exerting great power. The Bible goes on to say in Genesis that God created everything at the beginning of the universe, the Universe itself and everything in it was God's creation. Clearly, making everything is a massive show of exerting great power of force. Zeus does nothing which is even close to this. The biblical God is clearly more powerful than Zeus under this definition. 

It should be noted that this definition relates to being able to influence or control people, not necessarily meaning that they do influence or control people but that they are capable of it. As discussed previously, God is capable of doing anything he wants, meaning he can influence or control people however he wants. Zeus, on the other hand, lacks the ability to influence or control as well as God because he is limited in what he is able to do. So, clearly, this definition also supports the idea that God is more powerful than Zeus. 

This doesn’t mean that the Biblical God (Yahweh) is more powerful than Zeus. It just means his powers are more diverse compared to Zeus. 

Presume that there are two 35 year old athletes.:

• Athlete #1 is a professional boxer that has been training his whole life, but only went pro at age 20. 
  
• Athlete #2 is an MMA fighter who only knows boxing, kick-boxing, jiu-jitsu, and wrestling but has only trained for six months in each of these. 
  

Despite Athlete #2 being more well-rounded, Athlete #1 is still the better fighter because he maxed out so well in one sport, that Athlete #2’s versatility and experience has not matched. 

What is the technical phrase? Jack of all trades. 

While not possessing as many abilities as Yahweh, Zeus’s overall power level is still so considerably high, that it’s above Yahweh’s. 

Yahweh is the target of many parodies and jokes that throw shade at him. 

He hasn’t amassed the respect that Zeus has because comics, TV shows, and video games depict Zeus as an iconic badass. 

The Zeus of the Percy Jackson series is cool and intimidating at the same time. 

One of the most famous video game franchises, God of War, has so much respect and admiration for Zeus that they made him one of the most relevant characters in the series by giving him the role of one of the 4 mentors. 

Even in Marvel comics, Zeus is right up there with Odin. With such a relic of the ancient world, fiction has ressurected him into being an icon of today’s time that Yahweh has failed to do. 

The Olympics (most famous competitions of today) was started during the ancient Greek period and was done to honor Zeus. 

“Zeus was worshiped far and wide across the Greek world, including at festivals such as the Olympic Games. His legacy as the greatest of gods also meant that he became the favored deity of great leaders in the ancient world.”

https://www.thecollector.com/greek-gods/

Yahweh struggled to get the Pharaoh (a mortal man) to release the Jews with the threat of punishment, but Zeus was able to intimidate Calipsa (a goddess) into releasing a man with a similar threat. 

That does not semantically fall under the definition of exerting great power or force because you’re describing creation. An example of meeting this definition is destruction. Which Zeus certainly matches better. 

“As the god of thunder, Zeus also has the ability to control the weather in ancient Greek myths. He can cause rain, clouds, and huge storms, including thunder and lightning. In addition to this, Zeus has the ability to control the movement of the stars, the motion of day and night, and even control time.”

https://www.twinkl.com/teaching-wiki/zeus

Yahweh was unable to convince Adam & Eve not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge. His influence here was proven inferior to that of a Talking Serpent. He couldn’t stop sin from being unleashed into the world. 

He was unable to convince the Pharaoh to let his people go. 

But Zeus was able to cause humans everywhere to sin by deliberately cursing them with Pandora’s Box. 

• “…The LORD was with Judah; and he drave out the inhabitants of the mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron.” — Judges 1:19
  

This is an argument against the influence of the biblical God in comparison to Zeus. The issue is that the influence is not defined by having caused effects in indirect or intangible ways, but simple the capacity for it. Influence, as previously defined, means the power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways. In other words, one does not necessarily have to use that power or capacity, but simply to have it. It is true that Zeus makes more use of his influence than the biblical God, as you have shown, but use does not matter, the the capacity for causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways matters. And, to reiterate a previous point, as the biblical God can do anything the biblical God has an infinite power or capacity for being able to cause an effect in indirect or intangible ways whereas Zeus is limited in his methods of causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways. Ergo, the biblical God has more influence than Zeus. 

Power is defined as the ability to act or produce an effect. Thus, creation would fall under exerting great power just as destruction would. According to Merriam-Webster, force is defined as: "strength or energy exerted or brought to bear". Clearly, creation is an example of energy exerted or brought to bear. Ergo, great feats of creation fall under the definition of exerting great power or force just as destruction does.

The biblical God, as he could have done anything, could have convinced Adam and Eve not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge. If he wanted, he could have just not made the Tree of Knowledge in the first place. So why did he? Because he wanted Adam and Eve to have free will to make their own choices. He could stop sin from the world, but that would sacrifice free will. Also, note something I said earlier: "It should be noted that this definition relates to being able to influence or control people, not necessarily meaning that they do influence or control people but that they are capable of it". It doesn't matter if Zeus does a better job at influencing or controlling people as long as God is simply capable of doing a better job (even if he deliberately doesn't, which he see here). 

Firstly, power diversity isn’t the same as being more “powerful.” 

As proven by the examples, Athlete #2 has more versatility in his style of fighting, but his command of these styles simply cannot match Athlete #1, so Athlete #1 is the better fighter despite only knowing how to box. 

While the Bible claims limitless power for Yahweh, it is actually inconsistent with supporting this claim which makes me question its reliability. 

Infact, The Bible even hints at God’s incompetence and mortality. 

• “…The LORD was with Judah; and he drave out the inhabitants of the mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron.” — Judges 1:19
  

So an all-powerful, omnipotent being is unable to overcome the source of his own creation?

But we have Zeus leading a revolt against the Titans, who are considered the most powerful creatures in existence, and beating them. 

Christians consider God and Jesus to be one of the same. Since this is the case, how is it that mortal man can kill him off? 

Meanwhile, Zeus’s immortality means he is incapable of dying. 

As for prestige, despite the majority of the world considering Zeus an imaginary figure, he is certainly more respected than Yahweh. Atheists do not regard Yahweh as an impressive being, but one of disdain. Similarly, if it weren’t for christians’ belief in Yahweh, he would be treated with hatred or indifference. No level of belief or worship can compensate for the status Zeus receives in the entertainment industry. 

This is an argument against the influence of the biblical God in comparison to Zeus. The issue is that the influence is not defined by having caused effects in indirect or intangible ways, but simple the capacity for it. Influence, as previously defined, means the power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways. In other words, one does not necessarily have to use that power or capacity, but simply to have it. It is true that Zeus makes more use of his influence than the biblical God, as you have shown, but use does not matter, the the capacity for causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways matters. And, to reiterate a previous point, as the biblical God can do anything the biblical God has an infinite power or capacity for being able to cause an effect in indirect or intangible ways whereas Zeus is limited in his methods of causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways. Ergo, the biblical God has more influence than Zeus. 

So Con concedes this point then? 

Let’s be clear, anyone can claim Yahweh has more power & influence all they want. But when it comes to stories demonstrating these speculated feats, there are more examples of evidence that make a more convincing case of Zeus being superior. 

If God does not prove his abilities, then all claims of his powers are unsubstantiated, and all arguments defending him are moot. 

Power is defined as the ability to act or produce an effect. Thus, creation would fall under exerting great power just as destruction would. According to Merriam-Webster, force is defined as: "strength or energy exerted or brought to bear". Clearly, creation is an example of energy exerted or brought to bear. Ergo, great feats of creation fall under the definition of exerting great power or force just as destruction does.

No, they don’t. No matter how much Con says they do.

And for Yahweh to need sleep on the 7th day simply demonstrates that he is easily fatigued, despite not physically doing anything. It’s only natural for such an eternal being to not age well. He is afterall past his prime. 

But Zeus can fornicate with multiple goddesses, fight wars, and kill monsters without ever tiring. The implication is that Zeus is the indomitable force to be reckoned with. Not feeble Yahweh. 

The biblical God, as he could have done anything, could have convinced Adam and Eve not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge. If he wanted, he could have just not made the Tree of Knowledge in the first place. So why did he? Because he wanted Adam and Eve to have free will to make their own choices. He could stop sin from the world, but that would sacrifice free will. Also, note something I said earlier: "It should be noted that this definition relates to being able to influence or control people, not necessarily meaning that they do influence or control people but that they are capable of it". It doesn't matter if Zeus does a better job at influencing or controlling people as long as God is simply capable of doing a better job (even if he deliberately doesn't, which he see here). 

Either he has this ability or he doesn’t. 

There is more evidence of Zeus’s divinity & influence, than there is for Yahweh’s. The Free Will seems too much like a bogus claim, when we consider that Yahweh was so insecure in his power that he felt threatened by humans becoming as powerful as him. 

• Zeus has conquered beings stronger than himself whereas God hasn’t opposed other deities. 
  
• Proven that Zeus has garnered more respect as a permanent icon than Yahweh has, as the spiritual figureof a cult leading billions. 
  
• Shown Zeus’s ability to get his way from other gods & goddesses through threats and demands, whereas Yahweh struggles to get the pharaoh to release his people, a King to worship him, and loses a contest of persuasion to a reptile. Clearly, this demonstrates Zeus’s superior influence. 
  

In the Bible, God (Yahweh) creates the entire universe, something that any of Zeus's feats pale in comparison to. I would consider this a strong support for the fact that God does indeed have limitless power in the Bible. 

You are misinterpreting this quote. Judah is the one driving out the inhabitants of the mountain, God was simply with him. Regarding as to why God didn't simply step in, that would be because God generally doesn't like interfering with humans free will, and only does so sparingly. 

Is this more impressive than the creation of the entire universe? Clearly not. 

This is untrue. Unlike God who can never truly die (when Jesus died it was just his physical form which temporarily died), Zeus is not truly immortal and can die. If the sky and lightning hold no significance, Zeus dies as his domain is gone. If God and Zeus were in a fight, for instance, God could simply remove all sky and lightning and instantly kill Zeus, which clearly indicates that God is more powerful. 

So the extreme amount of reference and immense respect and prestige offered by the 2.2 billion Christians around the world is dwarfed by Zeus being more prevalent in the entertainment industry? Clearly, this makes no sense. A small amount of respect and prestige offered by watching a piece of media cannot make up for a sliver of the prestige offered by devout worshippers. 

God's abilities are proven within the Bible when he says he has an infinite capacity to do anything. You say the claims of these powers are unsubstantiated, but clearly they are not. Firstly, he creates the entire universe in the Bible, so how could that be the case that it is unsubstantiated. Secondly, both Zeus and God exist in entirely fictitious worlds. Because they don't actually exist, saying something has infinite power is the same as demonstrating it as both are events that haven't actually happened; they are both just things in a story. An event demonstrating something power would be equally unsubstantiated because none of them happen. For this debate to function, Zeus is described "from Greek Mythology" and God described from "the Bible" as per the claim. Thus, both universes will be evaluated as if they exist and the words within them are true, as if it was assumed otherwise this entire debate would become meaningless as both entities would provably not exist. 

And what is your reasoning for saying creation does not count? If power is just the ability to act or produce an effect (as described previously), then creation would clearly count as part of demonstrating power. You are simply saying it doesn't count without giving evidence. 

This debate is “on-balance,” and Con seems more interested in arguing semantics and making claims rather than demonstrating evidence or the strength of his claims. 

• Zeus has conquered beings stronger than himself whereas God hasn’t opposed other deities. 
  

• Proven that Zeus has garnered more respect as a permanent icon than Yahweh has, as the spiritual figureof a cult leading billions. 
  

• Shown Zeus’s ability to get his way from other gods & goddesses through threats and demands, whereas Yahweh struggles to get the pharaoh to release his people, a King to worship him, and loses a contest of persuasion to a reptile. Clearly, this demonstrates Zeus’s superior influence. 
  

If that weren’t enough, it was Zeus who caused mankind to sin intentionally but Yahweh cannot stop man from sinning. This means Zeus has more control over man. 

Zeus beat and conquered the Titans. (The beings who created the world.)

You are misinterpreting this quote. Judah is the one driving out the inhabitants of the mountain, God was simply with him. Regarding as to why God didn't simply step in, that would be because God generally doesn't like interfering with humans free will, and only does so sparingly. 

If it’s free will, what is the point of God’s intervention? 

This is more a demonstration of his impotence than political ethics. 

Is this more impressive than the creation of the entire universe? Clearly not. 

The Titans created the universe and Zeus defeated them. 

Case in point, Zeus can beat Yahweh too because Zeus is more powerful. 

That only renders Zeus powerless, that isn’t going to kill him. 

His divinity still remains intact, making him impossible to kill. Yahweh isn’t strong enough to take Zeus’s power away and he wouldn’t even if he could because he places too much emphasis on free will. 

Yahweh would want the fairest fight as possible and that’s why he dies a brutal death by the hands of Zeus. 

So the extreme amount of reference and immense respect and prestige offered by the 2.2 billion Christians around the world is dwarfed by Zeus being more prevalent in the entertainment industry? Clearly, this makes no sense. A small amount of respect and prestige offered by watching a piece of media cannot make up for a sliver of the prestige offered by devout worshippers. 

Being the leader of a cult doesn’t = prestige. He has people beainwashed. 

God's abilities are proven within the Bible when he says he has an infinite capacity to do anything. You say the claims of these powers are unsubstantiated, but clearly they are not. Firstly, he creates the entire universe in the Bible, so how could that be the case that it is unsubstantiated. Secondly, both Zeus and God exist in entirely fictitious worlds. Because they don't actually exist, saying something has infinite power is the same as demonstrating it as both are events that haven't actually happened; they are both just things in a story. An event demonstrating something power would be equally unsubstantiated because none of them happen. For this debate to function, Zeus is described "from Greek Mythology" and God described from "the Bible" as per the claim. Thus, both universes will be evaluated as if they exist and the words within them are true, as if it was assumed otherwise this entire debate would become meaningless as both entities would provably not exist. 

They’re both fiction, but this is irrelevant. 

Yahweh can make as many bold claims as he likes, but can he prove them or not? Con gives no verses or proof, so Yahweh’s abilities remain unsubstantiated. 

Because creation doesn’t semantically fall under physical exertion, nor have you given a definition that would match this.