Free Will and God's Goodness: Exploring a Theological Perspective
The relationship between free will and divine goodness is a complex theological issue. Does God's goodness necessitate the removal of free will, or is free will essential for genuine goodness to exist? This exploration delves into these questions, drawing upon arguments concerning God's nature, human choice, and the presence of evil in the world.
The Necessity of Free Will
One perspective argues that true goodness can only arise from free choice. As stated, "he who is good by his own choice is really good; but he who is made good by another under necessity is not really good, because he is not what he is by his own choice" (Source: Document: 1739759105915-3cgekr-anf08.txt). This suggests that if God were to create beings incapable of choosing evil, their goodness would be inherently diminished, lacking the authenticity that comes from freely choosing the good.
God's Foreknowledge and Human Choice
The text raises the question of whether God influences our thoughts. The response is a strong rebuke: "For if we are under His influence in all that we think, you say that He is the cause of fornications, lusts, avarice, and all blasphemy" (Source: Document: 1739759105915-3cgekr-anf08.txt). This highlights the importance of human responsibility for actions. Attributing all thoughts and actions to God removes accountability and implies God's complicity in evil.
God's Goodness and Justice
The document touches on the seemingly contradictory attributes of God's goodness and justice. "He is good, in that He is now long-suffering with the penitent, and welcomes them; but just, when acting as judge He will give to every one according to his deserts" (Source: Document: 1739759105915-3cgekr-anf08.txt). This proposes that God's goodness is expressed through patience and mercy, while justice is reserved for the final judgment, where actions are weighed and consequences assigned accordingly.
The Problem of Worship and Divine Honor
The text addresses the issue of worshipping created things instead of the Creator. It points out the illogicality of punishing both the worshipper and the worshipped object equally: "For it is not just that the sufferer and the disposer receive the same punishment, unless he willingly receive the honour which belongs only to the Most Honourable" (Source: Document: 1739759105915-3cgekr-anf08.txt). This emphasizes that true worship should be directed towards God alone, and that attributing divine honor to other entities is a form of injustice. God, it is argued, may not be indignant when others receive credit for His benefits, but He will not be an accomplice in deceit when an idol receives credit for something it did not do.
Conclusion
The exploration of free will and God's goodness reveals a nuanced perspective. Free will is presented as essential for genuine goodness, and human beings are responsible for their choices. God's nature encompasses both goodness and justice, expressed through mercy and ultimate judgment. The text underscores the importance of directing worship and honor towards God, the source of all good.