Determinism or Free Will

Hello everybody, I'm Ethan. Today, we're diving into a fascinating topic: determinism or free will. Are we merely puppets on strings, or do we have the liberty to make our own choices? This is quite a big and interesting topic. If determinism is true, and you believe that, then maybe we should all stop having theological debates. After all, if everything is predestined and beliefs are determined, there's no point in trying to change anybody's mind. They are part of the unelect.

The View on Free Will

All three of us here support free will. Of course, 100%. However, I am a determinist in some ways as well. I believe in a balance of both. There are instances where God, for example, hardens Pharaoh's heart. There has to be some level of control because God is supreme. He does have control, but allows us free will. He doesn't have to, but chooses to.

There are certainly instances in the Bible where God determines certain events. For example, God chose the apostles for their ministry. Jesus chose the apostles; they didn't choose him. Similarly, Jesus went to Paul and said, "I choose you to proclaim my name to the world." There is a determinist aspect within the larger picture of free will, especially in the times we live by free will.

Free Will and Love

You can't have love without free will. If you believe God is love and that God gave us liberty through Christ, then you can't uphold these beliefs alongside determinism.

Perspectives from Atheists and Calvinists

Our atheist brothers and sisters, interestingly enough, often align with Calvinist views by claiming there is no such thing as free will. Of course, it depends on which atheist or Calvinist you talk to. Atheists' determinism is based on the idea that we are merely biological beings reacting to environmental stimuli, hence having no free will. Their perspective makes more sense than that of a Calvinist who believes God, in his love and mercy, elects some of us.

Richard Dawkins phrased it as "dancing to the music of our DNA." If we are merely matter, reacting in specific ways, that's an oversimplification. Once you dig deeper, things aren't as determined as they might seem.

Probabilities and Determinism

At a microscopic level, things are more probabilistic, not determined. If everything were deterministic, we would have a theory of everything and could predict the future and past. I recently came across an article about this topic, and I'll discuss it in detail on our next show.

If there are probabilities, then things cannot be completely deterministic because there's always a chance that different outcomes can happen.

Sinfulness Without Christ

Would you agree that every human being, without the spirit or life of Christ, is determined to be sinful? Doesn't Paul say we would not know what sinMissing the mark of faith and love—no punishment, just lost growth or peace. is without the law? This is a topic I'm currently studying, and I'm a bit confused by it, so I'd love some input or help on understanding this perspective.

This discussion merely scratches the surface of the complex relationship between determinism and free will, but hopefully, it sheds some light on how these concepts interact within theological and philosophical contexts.

Understanding Covetousness and the Role of Law

The concept of coveting and what it means is influenced by the law, which says, "Thou shalt not covet." This thought process doesn't necessarily reflect my personal beliefs. However, according to Paul, without the law, there is nothing to condemn us. This raises the question: can people who have not heard of the law still be sinful?

The Role of Conscience and Determinism

In Romans 1, 2, and 3, Paul asserts that even those born without the law have a conscience that helps discern right from wrong, leaving us all without excuse. My question relates to determinism: are all individuals destined to be sinful if they don't have Christ within them due to human nature?

The Deterministic Nature of Humans

There is a determinant factor in our lives. Loving your enemy makes no sense if human nature and evolution alone guide us. As humans, historically and even genetically, we are predetermined to some extent. Our DNA, historical experiences, and survival instincts influence who we are without Christ.

For example, when faced with survival situations, humans revert to the "survival of the fittest" mentality. Fear of snakes is instinctual, a programmed response because, historically, snakes were life-threatening. In apocalyptic scenarios, people often portray their worst selves, suggesting that humans inherently have a nature that is not good.

The Transition from Carnal to Spiritual Beings

Would it be accurate to say we are determined as long as we remain carnal creatures, but free will prevails once we become spiritual? This is where Christ's role becomes crucial. He provides the answer to our fallen nature, granting us the freedom to choose, thus facilitating a transition to free will.

Theological Perspectives: Calvinism vs. Arminianism

This discussion leads to a theological debate between Calvinism and Arminianism. Do humans in their fallen state have the capacity to choose God when He calls? From an Arminian perspective, the answer is a resounding yes, whereas Calvinists believe we have no choice.

However, if God did not call upon us, would anyone seek Him? We agree that God continuously calls us. Without His call, the world would be unimaginably dull—void of color, character, and vibrance. A bland, dreary existence would prevail.

Balanced Christian Theology

In conclusion, this dialogue highlights a balanced perspective of Christian theology. We do not lean toward extreme or polarized views but find a middle ground that aligns with reasonable Christian beliefs.

Understanding the Debate: Free Will and Divine Influence

The discourse around free will and divine intervention is a longstanding debate in theology, particularly when considering concepts like Armenianism and predestination. Two key arguments often arise. Critics of Armenianism argue that this belief implies salvation through works, which conflicts with some theological interpretations. On the other hand, if God only calls His elect, the counter-argument suggests that human freedom to choose God is undermined, reducing us to mere puppets.

The Connection Between Love and Free Will

A fundamental point of discussion is the relationship between love and free will. As articulated in many conversations, including personal discussions about relationships, unless individuals have the freedom to choose, genuine love cannot exist. For instance, if two people are the only ones together without knowing any other option, they cannot positively affirm their choice in love, since there's no alternative. Thus, without the option to choose not to love, one cannot truly choose to love.

Divine Plan vs. Human Choices

This brings us to the broader question: Does God have a set plan for our lives, or does He allow us to navigate through our own choices? Some argue that God has a foreplan for us and may use life events, such as the deathSeparation from God—now overcome. Physical death remains, but it no longer separates us from life with God. of a loved one, to teach us lessons. Others propose that God may act more like a deist god, allowing the natural order of life to unfold and then assisting us along the way.

The Interplay of Choices and the Divine

It's intriguing to consider how human choices intersect with divine influence. Take, for example, a car accident—not necessarily orchestrated by God but rather the culmination of different decisions made by individuals. This perspective aligns with the concept of the butterfly effect, where numerous small choices culminate in a significant outcome. God, thus, operates within the myriad of human decisions, subtly guiding us rather than dictating every detail.

Reflecting on God's Influence

Reflecting on one's life journey often reveals an inherent plan. Many recognize patterns where experiences, no matter how difficult, have contributed to personal growth. For instance, during trying times, acknowledging God's presence and learning through adversity can strengthen faith and character. The question remains: Is God causing these situations, or is He allowing them to unfold while providing guidance?

A Synergistic Relationship

Ultimately, it may be a combination of both. God might permit events to occur while simultaneously working through individuals, leading them through various paths and experiences. This cooperative dynamic between divine influence and human decision-making creates a tapestry of interconnected choices. Although we only perceive a single storyline from our perspective, we can imagine that God is present in every possible alternative, guiding us through the complexity of life.

Smoking Cigarettes: A Discussion

Whose Turn is it Anyway?

"Are you done with it?" "Yep." "Whose turn is it?"

There's something about the dynamics of passing the spotlight that brings a playful sense of responsibility. I often find myself wondering why it's me who gets to hold onto it every time.

The Cigarette Conversation

Oh no, I didn't pick this topic! But it seems like this one—a discussion about smoking cigarettes—has made its way into our circle. Smoking cigarettes. It's a topic that stirs quite the conversation.

At 12:33, the discussion takes a turn: "What about it? Smoking cigarettes."

What's Next on CAT?

Stay tuned for next week's installment of CAT, where we're going to delve into something a bit different. We'll be discussing the effects of smoking cigarettes. It's going to be reminiscent of that commercial—yes, the one with the lady who has a hole in her throat. This particular subject is a tricky one, and frankly, I wish I had never witnessed the side effects of years of cigarette smoking.

Let's see how this conversation unfolds next time.