March 14, 2025

Liberty, Necessity, and the Nature of Goodness

This exploration delves into the concepts of free will, necessity, and the true meaning of goodness, as discussed in ancient theological texts. The text examines the idea that genuine goodness stems from choice rather than compulsion, and it addresses potential challenges to this notion, including the role of divine influence and the nature of God's justice.

Free Will and True Goodness

The core argument presented is that true goodness is rooted in free will. An individual who is good by their own choice is genuinely good, while someone compelled to be good lacks authentic virtue. As the text states, "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 moral value is intrinsically linked to the capacity for independent decision-making.

Addressing the Question of Divine Influence

A potential objection to the concept of free will arises: If God influences our thoughts, can our choices truly be free? The text vehemently rejects the idea that God dictates our every thought, arguing that such a notion leads to blasphemy. It asserts that attributing all our thoughts to divine influence would make God the cause of "fornications, lusts, avarice, and all blasphemy" (Source: Document: 1739759105915-3cgekr-anf08.txt). This counter-argument emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility and the potential for human corruption independent of divine control.

God's Justice and the Rejection of Idolatry

The text extends the discussion to the topic of idolatry and God's role in dealing with it. It raises the question of why God doesn't simply remove idol worshippers to prevent others from following suit. The response emphasizes God's wisdom and long-suffering nature, suggesting that He allows impious individuals to exist in the hope that they will become pious. Furthermore, the text highlights that many have abandoned idolatry to embrace the true God (Source: Document: 1739759105915-3cgekr-anf08.txt).

The text also touches upon the idea of divine jealousy, arguing that God is not simply enraged when others receive credit for His works. Instead, He refuses to be complicit in deceit, where idols are wrongly credited with power. The text implies that God might have even tolerated idolatry if it didn't lead to natural harm (Source: Document: 1739759105915-3cgekr-anf08.txt).

Conclusion

The text underscores the significance of free will as the foundation of genuine goodness. It refutes the concept of God controlling our thoughts and actions, emphasizing individual responsibility and the potential for moral corruption independent of divine influence. It paints a picture of a God who is patient, merciful, and ultimately desires the repentance and salvation of all, even those initially engaged in idolatry.