March 14, 2025

Free Will and the Nature of Goodness

The concept of free will is a cornerstone in discussions of morality and divine justice. Examining arguments around free will sheds light on how individuals are held accountable for their actions, and how goodness is truly defined.

The Importance of Choice

The text emphasizes the significance of free will in defining true goodness. It posits that goodness derived from one's own choice is more genuine than goodness imposed by necessity. "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 the capacity to choose between good and evil is essential for moral development and the attainment of authentic virtue.

God's Role and Human Responsibility

The text addresses a potential argument that God should have created humans incapable of evil thoughts. It refutes this by highlighting that such a creation would negate free will. Furthermore, attributing all thoughts to divine influence leads to a problematic conclusion: "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 clarifies that while God establishes the framework for moral action, humans bear the responsibility for their choices and actions.

Divine Justice and Human Agency

The interplay between divine justice and human agency is explored. God's long-suffering nature is presented as an act of mercy, allowing impious individuals the opportunity to become pious. "He is long-suffering to all who are in impiety, as a merciful and philanthropic father, knowing that impious men become pious" (Source: Document: 1739759105915-3cgekr-anf08.txt). This suggests a balance between divine patience and the ultimate accountability for one's actions, where individuals are judged according to their deeds, reflecting both goodness and justice.

The Danger of Blasphemy

The text cautions against attributing evil thoughts or actions directly to God. Such attribution is considered blasphemous. Instead, individuals are encouraged to acknowledge their own agency and offer gratitude and honor to God. "Cease your evil-speaking, ye who ought to speak well of Him, and to bestow all honour upon Him" (Source: Document: 1739759105915-3cgekr-anf08.txt). This emphasizes that while God provides the capacity for good, the choice to embrace or reject it lies with the individual.

In conclusion, the passage argues that free will is essential for genuine goodness. It clarifies God's role as a provider of opportunity and a dispenser of justice, while emphasizing human responsibility for moral choices. The text cautions against attributing evil to God, reinforcing the importance of gratitude and honor in recognizing the divine source of goodness.