Liberty, Necessity, and the Nature of Goodness

The concept of free will and its relationship to genuine goodness is a complex and often debated topic. Is a person truly good if their actions are predetermined, or does the capacity for choice play a crucial role in defining moral character? This exploration delves into the ideas of liberty and necessity, and how they impact our understanding of goodness, drawing upon arguments presented in early Christian writings.

The Value of Free Will

The text argues that true goodness stems from choice, not compulsion. "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 actions performed under duress or predetermination lack the moral weight of those freely chosen.

Goodness as a Deliberate Act

If individuals are compelled to act in a certain way, their actions become devoid of moral significance. True goodness, then, arises from the conscious decision to embrace virtue and reject vice. This perspective highlights the importance of individual agency in the development of moral character.

God's Role and Human Choice

The text grapples with the question of why God did not create humans incapable of evil. The response lies in the importance of free will. God "has contrived that friendship or hostility should be in each man by occasions." (Source: Document: 1739759105915-3cgekr-anf08.txt) This implies that God allows for the possibility of both good and evil so that individuals can exercise their freedom to choose between them.

Avoiding Blasphemy

The text cautions against attributing all thoughts and actions to God. "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 emphasizes the importance of acknowledging human responsibility for immoral actions and avoiding the implication that God is the author of sin.

The Danger of Undue Honor

The text touches upon the idea of giving credit where credit is due, particularly in relation to God. It argues that God does not act when his healing power would be attributed to false idols. "So also God does not do you good, when He is asked along with many who can do nothing." (Source: Document: 1739759105915-3cgekr-anf08.txt)

God's Benevolence and Deceit

The passage clarifies that it's not indignation but a refusal to participate in deceit that prevents God from acting when others receive undue credit. "Although He be not indignant, at all events He will not be an accomplice in deceit; for when He has conferred a benefit, the idol, which has done nothing, is credited with the power." (Source: Document: 1739759105915-3cgekr-anf08.txt) This highlights the importance of recognizing and acknowledging the true source of goodness and blessings.

Conclusion

The interplay between liberty and necessity is central to understanding the nature of goodness. True goodness emerges from the exercise of free will, the ability to choose between right and wrong. While God's role is paramount, attributing all actions to Him undermines individual responsibility and the very essence of moral choice. Recognizing the source of true benevolence is crucial, ensuring that credit is given where it is rightfully due, and avoiding the deceit of attributing divine power to false idols.