What is free will and do humans have it?

[StormyOne]

We have touched on this before, so I wanted to bring it up, define it if possible then see if the concept is even applicable...

So what is "free-will" as you understand it? That is, how would you define free-will? Secondly do humans really have free-will or something else?

 

[AzA]

Humans have a constrained power to choose and to do. It is not an unlimited power and all sorts of things influence it.

 

[StormyOne]

Humans have a constrained power to choose and to do. It is not an unlimited power and all sorts of things influence it.

I like that.... so now the question is are there situations where we really have no choice? Or our choice is influenced by things we are not even aware of? Is it possible to have all the information needed to make a choice prior to making that choice?

 

[AzA]

Is it possible to have all the information needed to make a choice prior to making that choice?

No, it isn't, but that doesn't mean you don't give it your best shot based on the cards in hand and the game you're playing.
A friend's dad says "The right resolution is more important than a quick resolution," but at the same time, Hamlet was driven mad by his indecision. There are times where taking some thoughtful action is the best thing to do and not acting at all just because you don't know everything is a cop-out.

You do the best you can.

 

[StormyOne]

No, it isn't, but that doesn't mean you don't give it your best shot based on the cards in hand and the game you're playing.
A friend's dad says "The right resolution is more important than a quick resolution," but at the same time, Hamlet was driven mad by his indecision. There are times where taking some thoughtful action is the best thing to do and not acting at all just because you don't know everything is a cop-out.

You do the best you can.

So what does it really mean when christians say, "today you must choose Christ!!" Is that godtalk or is that exhortation something people must choose?

 

[AzA]

So what does it really mean when christians say, "today you must choose Christ!!" Is that godtalk or is that exhortation something people must choose?

Depends on what they mean by it.
If they mean something like "choose the second person of the Godhead and call yourself by his name and then come to church regularly and pay into the scheme," then that would be godtalk.
If they mean something like "choose paths that are life-affirming," then that might be more workable.

 

[StormyOne]

Depends on what they mean by it.
If they mean something like "choose the second person of the Godhead and call yourself by his name and then come to church regularly and pay into the scheme," then that would be godtalk.
If they mean something like "choose paths that are life-affirming," then that might be more workable.

that response AzA is refreshing... thank you... the emphasis then is on the person to use the brain that God has blessed them with to evaluate the various paths that they encounter and as best as they can choose the life-affirming ones..... but ummmm AzA..... cruising down an empty interstate in my car at "warp" speeds makes me feel so "alive!!!" What ya think?

 

[Byfaithalone1]

We have touched on this before, so I wanted to bring it up, define it if possible then see if the concept is even applicable...

So what is "free-will" as you understand it? That is, how would you define free-will? Secondly do humans really have free-will or something else?

Wow! A thread in which Stormy and Aza are discussing ideas. I haven't seen that in a while. It's like a breath of fresh air. Thanks!

Although I agree with what has already been written in this thread, I would add my perception that -- if free will exists -- it is a gift and not an inherent right.

I love Aza's take on "life-affirming choices." I wonder whether such choices merely lead us to those good and healthy things that God ordained for us. I would add that we serve a God who holds us in His hands and loves us even when we fail to make life-affirming choices.

BFA

 

[AzA]

but ummmm AzA..... cruising down an empty interstate in my car at "warp" speeds makes me feel so "alive!!!" What ya think?

Knowing you, Stormy, I think you would do it anyway no matter what I said!

And you would also enjoy both the breeze flowing through your windows and any traffic violation tickets that got sent to you in the mail afterwards.

Whatever we do or don't choose carries consequences.

I agree with BFA that God is present and engaged no matter what.

 

[StormyOne]

Knowing you, Stormy, I think you would do it anyway no matter what I said!

And you would also enjoy both the breeze flowing through your windows and any traffic violation tickets that got sent to you in the mail afterwards.

Whatever we do or don't choose carries consequences.

I agree with BFA that God is present and engaged no matter what.

HA!!! Life is meant to be lived, and lived to its fullest.... you are correct, if I believe it is a life affirming thing, I am going to pursue it.....