The Nature of True Goodness and Free Will
This exploration delves into the concepts of free will, true goodness, and the nature of God's interaction with humanity. The text examines arguments surrounding divine influence and human responsibility, as well as the implications for worship and moral behavior. It challenges the notion that God should have created humans incapable of wrongdoing, asserting the importance of free will in achieving true goodness.
Free Will and Moral Choice
The text emphasizes that true goodness stems from choice, not necessity. Someone made good by another is not truly good because their actions are not their own. (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 highlights the significance of individual freedom in the development of moral character. Without the capacity to choose between good and evil, actions lack genuine moral weight.
The Problem of Divine Influence
A central argument addresses the idea that God dictates our thoughts. The text strongly refutes this, stating that such a notion is blasphemous. (Source: Document: 1739759105915-3cgekr-anf08.txt) If God were the cause of all our thoughts, then He would also be the cause of negative behaviors such as:
- Fornications
- Lusts
- Avarice
- Blasphemy
Attributing such actions to God is considered a grave offense. This reinforces the importance of individual accountability and the rejection of deterministic views.
God's Jealousy and the Nature of Worship
The text explores the concept of God's jealousy in relation to worship. It argues that offering thanks to both God and other entities diminishes God's role and effectiveness. (Source: Document: 1739759105915-3cgekr-anf08.txt) It uses an analogy of multiple physicians treating a patient: if numerous ineffective physicians are involved, a capable physician might withhold treatment, fearing that others will receive the credit.
Similarly, God may not bestow benefits when asked alongside idols, not necessarily out of indignation, but to avoid being complicit in deceit. (Source: Document: 1739759105915-3cgekr-anf08.txt) The idol, which has done nothing, receives credit for the benefit conferred by God.
Goodness and Justice
The document also addresses the relationship between goodness and justice, asserting that God embodies both. He demonstrates goodness through long-suffering with the penitent and justice by judging everyone according to their deeds. (Source: Document: 1739759105915-3cgekr-anf08.txt) This is illustrated by the teacher who directs someone seeking eternal life to follow the commandments of the Just One.
Conclusion
The text champions the significance of free will in the pursuit of true goodness. It rejects the notion of divine determinism and emphasizes individual responsibility for moral choices. It also explains the importance of exclusive worship and highlights the dual nature of God as both good and just. These concepts have implications for understanding human nature, divine interaction, and the path to spiritual fulfillment.