The Nature of True Goodness and Free Will

This exploration delves into the philosophical and theological concepts of free will, goodness, and the nature of God, drawing upon ancient perspectives. It examines the idea that genuine goodness stems from choice rather than compulsion and considers the implications for understanding divine justice and human responsibility.

Free Will and True Goodness

The text emphasizes the importance of free will in defining true goodness. It posits that a person who is good by their own choice is genuinely good, whereas someone made good by another through necessity is not. (Source: Document: 1739759105915-3cgekr-anf08.txt)

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.

This concept suggests that moral value is intrinsically linked to the ability to choose between good and evil. Without the capacity for independent decision-making, actions, even if outwardly virtuous, lack authentic moral significance.

God's Role and Human Responsibility

The text addresses the question of why God didn't create humans incapable of evil. It argues that such a creation would negate free will, a crucial element for genuine goodness. God allows individuals to develop friendship or hostility through their choices, highlighting the significance of personal agency in shaping one's character and relationship with the divine. (Source: Document: 1739759105915-3cgekr-anf08.txt)

The text refutes the notion that God dictates every thought, which would make Him responsible for evil actions.

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.

This perspective underscores the importance of human responsibility for one's actions and thoughts.

Worship and Divine Honor

The text explores the concept of worship and the potential for misdirected devotion. It questions the practice of worshipping created things like the sun, moon, earth, and even humans. (Source: Document: 1739759105915-3cgekr-anf08.txt) It suggests that worshipping created things is a form of violence against them, as the object of worship suffers at the hands of the worshipper. True honor, it argues, belongs solely to the "Most Honourable."

The text further explores the idea of God's jealousy, stating that God doesn't do good when asked alongside many who can do nothing. (Source: Document: 1739759105915-3cgekr-anf08.txt)

so also God does not do you good, when He is asked along with many who can do nothing.

This suggests that true faith and devotion should be directed solely towards God, without attributing power to idols or other false deities.

The Balance of Goodness and Justice

The text delves into the relationship between God's goodness and justice, presenting them not as contradictory but as complementary aspects of the divine nature. God's goodness is evident in his long-suffering with the penitent, welcoming them back with mercy. His justice is manifested in his role as judge, rendering to each according to their deeds. (Source: Document: 1739759105915-3cgekr-anf08.txt)

For 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.

This understanding reconciles the seemingly disparate attributes of divine compassion and righteous judgment.

Conclusion

The concepts of free will, true goodness, and divine justice are intertwined. Genuine goodness arises from the capacity to choose, and God, in his wisdom, allows for this freedom, even with the risk of evil. True worship is directed towards the divine, and God's nature encompasses both mercy and justice, offering a path to redemption for those who turn towards Him.