How Can God Grant Humans Freedom And Yet Still Know The Future? If Humans Have Free Will Aren't We Making Stuff Up As We Go Along? Could Free Will Be An Illusion?
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Some Protestants (especially Calvinists) believe in predestination. This view maintains that everyone's path in life is set, or predetermined and that it is either impossible, or very difficult, to deviate from this path. As you can see, this does, in large part, contradict the notion of free will. People who believe in predestination may point to a number of verses in the Bible such as Rom. 9:16-18, which reads: "So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy...So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires."
Most Catholics and many Protestants do, however, believe that humans have free will to choose their destiny, especially as it relates to religious beliefs, faith and convictions. This just means that everyone can choose whether to believe the Christian message, or to believe in something different.
Most Christian theologians do not think that free will is an illusion. Rather, many would argue that while God knows what our destiny will be and how our life will turn out, He does not fully control it. It is important to remember that having knowledge of something does not necessarily mean that one also has control. For example, God may know whether someone will at some point in his/her life accept the teachings of the Christian faith, but this just means that God has knowledge about our intentions and plans--even before we become conscious of them--but he does not direct, or control those plans.
Theology, and especially issues concerning predestination and free will can be a little confusing and elusive at times. I hope this helps!
Most Catholics and many Protestants do, however, believe that humans have free will to choose their destiny, especially as it relates to religious beliefs, faith and convictions. This just means that everyone can choose whether to believe the Christian message, or to believe in something different.
Most Christian theologians do not think that free will is an illusion. Rather, many would argue that while God knows what our destiny will be and how our life will turn out, He does not fully control it. It is important to remember that having knowledge of something does not necessarily mean that one also has control. For example, God may know whether someone will at some point in his/her life accept the teachings of the Christian faith, but this just means that God has knowledge about our intentions and plans--even before we become conscious of them--but he does not direct, or control those plans.
Theology, and especially issues concerning predestination and free will can be a little confusing and elusive at times. I hope this helps!
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Christians, Jews and Catholics all believe in the Bible. As it is written: The Book of LIFE has already be written.
There are so many to list, so I listed one within the confines of this comments uses.
Exodus 32:32 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast WRITTEN(Past tense).
There are so many to list, so I listed one within the confines of this comments uses.
Exodus 32:32 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast WRITTEN(Past tense).
The conflict between destiny and free will is a theological debate that has been written and talked about for perhaps thousands of years. During the Enlightenment period, there was the idea that the universe was a massive machine and humans were simply cogs in the machine. Others felt that people still had some power with which to change their circumstances.
Some people see a problem with the idea of a destiny that is completely controlled by God. If this is the case, then what is the point of people working to change things, if the end result is always the same?
One concept of the universe is that it is an immense puzzle and our experiences simply enlighten different pieces of the puzzle. That is, the object of life is not to 'do better' but to 'see better'. Every experience that we have is not a way to 'move up' but a way for us to understand a bit more about the truth of the universe, which exists separately from our actions.
There are endless interpretations of destiny and free will. The concepts certainly produce some very serious thinking!
Some people see a problem with the idea of a destiny that is completely controlled by God. If this is the case, then what is the point of people working to change things, if the end result is always the same?
One concept of the universe is that it is an immense puzzle and our experiences simply enlighten different pieces of the puzzle. That is, the object of life is not to 'do better' but to 'see better'. Every experience that we have is not a way to 'move up' but a way for us to understand a bit more about the truth of the universe, which exists separately from our actions.
There are endless interpretations of destiny and free will. The concepts certainly produce some very serious thinking!
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God also gave Jesus the choice to die on the cross. He chose to die. He told Satan I could have called a legion of 72,000 angels to come and save me and they would have came. But because He knew we could not save ourselves, (not by works, lest any man should boast), he chose to die on the cross. God knew us before we entered the womb. He knows what we are thinking and what we will do the next minute, because he cannot ever be suprised and He is so big every time He turns around He is always bumping into Himself. We have a choice to live according to His will or do it our way and if we choose to do it our way then He will let you do it your way. If you choose to do it His way then let Him have complete control and enjoy his provisions.
A lot of the problem is that look at what others have and not at what we are blessed with each day. You don't have to have the biggest bank account, the most expensive house and car to be content and happy. These things will soon pass away. You cannot take anything with you, so why chose to see if things will make you happy when rust and mold will take it anyway. We are to be content like the Apostle Paul. Jesus himself does not know the hour nor the day when God will tell Him when the earth will come to the end (neither does the Son of man knowest the hour or the day). Jesus chose to do God's will. Just like satan made a choice (there was never to be a hell) but when he tried to take over heaven because of jealousy, he made a very poor choice and thus was cast into a pit of fire to burn for all eternity, thus so will the non believer and not accepting the choice that Jesus made and the gift of salvation. God knew his plan, but he wanted to see if satan would make the right choices.
Another thing is we don't like the choices God makes for us (when we know that they are the best choices) because it does not coincide with what we believe, our lifestyles, or friends, but we must understand our lives were mapped out before we were ever to be born. It is no coincidence that what happens happens. God is not a spur of the moment God, but we want Him to be. When He made the earth and the heavens He knew exactly what was to be. I would much rather any day choose to let God have control of my future rather than keep wandering aimlessly, and cluelessly messing it up making choices that makes matter worse and not eternally better. Isn't it great that what we do does not surprise God, and isn't it even better that He is always forgiving and ready to accept us and pick us up dust us off and set us on our ways again and never gets tired of doing so. Please, if you never in your life read and understand another book in your life, read and try to understand the bible and you will understand the who and what it is that is The Way and the Life and living will be so much better because you will have all the answers that you need to be content , prosperous, and happy and guess what a lot of your choices in life have already been made for you all you have to do is look forward to the future and not keep your eyes on the here and now.
A lot of the problem is that look at what others have and not at what we are blessed with each day. You don't have to have the biggest bank account, the most expensive house and car to be content and happy. These things will soon pass away. You cannot take anything with you, so why chose to see if things will make you happy when rust and mold will take it anyway. We are to be content like the Apostle Paul. Jesus himself does not know the hour nor the day when God will tell Him when the earth will come to the end (neither does the Son of man knowest the hour or the day). Jesus chose to do God's will. Just like satan made a choice (there was never to be a hell) but when he tried to take over heaven because of jealousy, he made a very poor choice and thus was cast into a pit of fire to burn for all eternity, thus so will the non believer and not accepting the choice that Jesus made and the gift of salvation. God knew his plan, but he wanted to see if satan would make the right choices.
Another thing is we don't like the choices God makes for us (when we know that they are the best choices) because it does not coincide with what we believe, our lifestyles, or friends, but we must understand our lives were mapped out before we were ever to be born. It is no coincidence that what happens happens. God is not a spur of the moment God, but we want Him to be. When He made the earth and the heavens He knew exactly what was to be. I would much rather any day choose to let God have control of my future rather than keep wandering aimlessly, and cluelessly messing it up making choices that makes matter worse and not eternally better. Isn't it great that what we do does not surprise God, and isn't it even better that He is always forgiving and ready to accept us and pick us up dust us off and set us on our ways again and never gets tired of doing so. Please, if you never in your life read and understand another book in your life, read and try to understand the bible and you will understand the who and what it is that is The Way and the Life and living will be so much better because you will have all the answers that you need to be content , prosperous, and happy and guess what a lot of your choices in life have already been made for you all you have to do is look forward to the future and not keep your eyes on the here and now.
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I see from what you have written, you have read the Bible. As it is written within the Bible, the Book of Life has already been written. GOD already knows your heart, HE created it. Your life and decisions have already been written with in the Book of life from your heart. GOD already knows what your choices will be. As GOD already knows what you want, before you ask.
Gods Laws and Commandments are written within your heart before you are born, but not all people, we call it "Conscience" or Wisdom"!
Science "genetics", call it "The GOD gene". Yes, they have actually found the gene which causes people to have wisdom/faith and why so few others do not. I call it "The WISDOM GENE" or "INTELLIGENCE GENE".
Remember, GOD will cause science to prove HIM, HIS predictions RIGHT and FACT (I.E., dinosaurs existing during man's life, Genesis they call it "the big Bang", people will reject Gods meat, People will focus more on exercise than his word, religion will return, HIS church will return, The "Euro" will be one of the first signs of the ANTI-CHRIST money coming, The "ONE NATION" which will be ANT-Christ's nation, forming" and many more to list), , while they work on their theories!
Check Proverbs 16: some extracts:
1 To man belong the PLANS of the heart,
But from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue.
2 All a man's ways seem innocent to him,
But motives are weighed by the LORD.
3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
And your PLANS will succeed.
4 The LORD works out everything for his OWN Ends—
Even the wickedest for the day of disaster.
9 In his HEART a man Plans his course,
But the LORD determines HIS STEPS.
33 THE LOT IS CAST into the lap,
But its every DECISION is from the LORD.
I pray that this will help. But, read the Bible to check my words! Also remember that "without a foundation, no house may stand" and "NO wisdom or understanding of the "NEW Testament may be attained without "The OLD Testament"!
Whiz
Gods Laws and Commandments are written within your heart before you are born, but not all people, we call it "Conscience" or Wisdom"!
Science "genetics", call it "The GOD gene". Yes, they have actually found the gene which causes people to have wisdom/faith and why so few others do not. I call it "The WISDOM GENE" or "INTELLIGENCE GENE".
Remember, GOD will cause science to prove HIM, HIS predictions RIGHT and FACT (I.E., dinosaurs existing during man's life, Genesis they call it "the big Bang", people will reject Gods meat, People will focus more on exercise than his word, religion will return, HIS church will return, The "Euro" will be one of the first signs of the ANTI-CHRIST money coming, The "ONE NATION" which will be ANT-Christ's nation, forming" and many more to list), , while they work on their theories!
Check Proverbs 16: some extracts:
1 To man belong the PLANS of the heart,
But from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue.
2 All a man's ways seem innocent to him,
But motives are weighed by the LORD.
3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
And your PLANS will succeed.
4 The LORD works out everything for his OWN Ends—
Even the wickedest for the day of disaster.
9 In his HEART a man Plans his course,
But the LORD determines HIS STEPS.
33 THE LOT IS CAST into the lap,
But its every DECISION is from the LORD.
I pray that this will help. But, read the Bible to check my words! Also remember that "without a foundation, no house may stand" and "NO wisdom or understanding of the "NEW Testament may be attained without "The OLD Testament"!
Whiz
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Whiz, I think that it is important to point out that a major difference between Catholics and many Protestants is that the Catholic Church rejects the notion of double predestination. Double predestination (as taught by Calvinists) asserts that because God has planned everything out, some people are predestined to damnation and there is precious little that they can do to change their fate. Catholics cannot accept this assumption and argue that everyone has a choice as to how they live their lives, even if God already knows, from the beginning, what choices people will make.
Sorry, Mackenzie, My wife and all her relatives are Catholic, This NOT what they teach. I know because you are required to attend a course simular to Cathicism before they will marry any protestnt to a catholic. And I attended it in two different states. They pretty much the same, except that they are the church of Christ. Again in Mathews, Jesus says and I quote "in the end when my Church returns". I always take what the scriptures say LITERALLY, for it also says "NOT to INTEPRET, CHANGE ro mis-represent his words as written.
And now for old story that most people are not aware of: Science has NOW PROVEN without a shadow of a boubt, that PEOPLE ARE PREDESTINED. It is found within your genes. The Scientists call it "The GOD gene" NOT all people have it and NEVER will. So, we can not get anry at the non-believers, they ARE PREDESTINED, not to believe. I call it: "The WISDOM Gene" or if you will, "The INTELLIGENCE GENE"!! Do a search for GOD Gene!
I believe that it is arrogant of mankind to even consider that God would take an interest in our individual personal lives. He cares of course about His creation but I think it is more rational to accept that He leaves us to get on with it.
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This is an old question. No body really knows. It's also like the question "Can God make something that he can't move?" It's just on of those questions to save for heaven.
Maybe God lets us have free will, but He made us with certain personalities and can sort out what we are going to do, but He doesn't put what we say in our mouths.
Maybe God lets us have free will, but He made us with certain personalities and can sort out what we are going to do, but He doesn't put what we say in our mouths.
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Christians, Jews and Catholics all believe in the Bible. As it is written: The Book of LIFE has already be written. There are so many to list, so I listed one within the confines of this comments uses. Exodus 32:32 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast WRITTEN.
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You could say that the conception of Free Will is a man made construction designed to enable people to cope with events such as acts of 'evil' which can't be linked to acts of God. But then if God created everything this must include the bad things inherent in humans and nature.
The idea of free will was very popular with philosophers especially religious philosophers such as St. Thomas Aquinas.
Certain acts couldn't be attributed to a good God therefore a way had to be found to attribute them to man and therefore we have the Free Will argument.
This in a way was a get out clause.
You could argue that God can still grant free will but being all powerful can also see what will happen in the future despite people having free will so in a way it's predestined free will under the control of an all powerful 'other being'.
It depends on what you want to believe or how you want to reconcile free will and the power of God.
I can't accept the whole argument . I studied Religious philosophy years ago and ended up not accepting any of the arguments that tried to reconcile any of it.
Perhaps it's all an illusion?
The idea of free will was very popular with philosophers especially religious philosophers such as St. Thomas Aquinas.
Certain acts couldn't be attributed to a good God therefore a way had to be found to attribute them to man and therefore we have the Free Will argument.
This in a way was a get out clause.
You could argue that God can still grant free will but being all powerful can also see what will happen in the future despite people having free will so in a way it's predestined free will under the control of an all powerful 'other being'.
It depends on what you want to believe or how you want to reconcile free will and the power of God.
I can't accept the whole argument . I studied Religious philosophy years ago and ended up not accepting any of the arguments that tried to reconcile any of it.
Perhaps it's all an illusion?
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If God knows about it, how does that equate to "controlling" it? It really doesn't equate. I could walk down the street and see two cars hurtling toward each other. I know they will hit each other based on their distance apart and speed, but I didn't control anything. That may be one of the places/assumptions that tripped you up in your studies.
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