The Nature of True Goodness: Choice, Freedom, and Divine Justice
This exploration delves into the concepts of goodness, justice, and free will, as presented in a discourse examining the nature of God and humanity's relationship with the divine. It questions the essence of true goodness, probing whether it stems from inherent nature or from conscious choice, and considers the implications of free will in the context of divine justice and the existence of evil.
Free Will and the Essence of Goodness
The text emphasizes the importance of free will in defining true goodness. It argues that goodness derived from one's own choice is genuine, whereas goodness imposed by necessity lacks authenticity.
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 perspective suggests that moral value lies in the conscious decision to embrace goodness, rather than simply being compelled to it.
The Problem of Evil and Divine Responsibility
The text confronts the challenge of reconciling free will with the existence of evil. It refutes the notion that God dictates every thought and action, which would make Him responsible for immoral acts.
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)
By affirming free will, the text places the responsibility for evil actions on individuals, while simultaneously preserving God's inherent goodness.
Divine Justice and Long-Suffering
The text addresses the apparent contradiction between God's goodness and justice. It explains that God's goodness is manifested in his long-suffering with the penitent.
He is good, in that He is now long-suffering with the penitent, and welcomes them. (Source: Document: 1739759105915-3cgekr-anf08.txt)
His justice is revealed when He acts as judge, rewarding or punishing individuals according to their deeds. This dual nature highlights God's capacity for both mercy and righteous judgment.
The Rejection of Idolatry and the Oneness of God
The discourse condemns the worship of created things, such as the sun, moon, earth, or even man, asserting that only God deserves worship.
Do not some of you worship the sun, and some the moon, and some water, and some the earth, and some the mountains, and some plants, and some seeds, and some also man, as in Egypt? (Source: Document: 1739759105915-3cgekr-anf08.txt)
It suggests that those who worship idols are inflicting violence upon those objects, and it is unjust to punish both the worshipper and the worshipped. God's uniqueness demands exclusive devotion, and He is not to be associated with other beings or idols.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this text provides a framework for understanding the complexities of goodness, justice, and free will within a theological context. It underscores the significance of conscious choice in defining true goodness, defends God's righteousness against the problem of evil, and reinforces the concept of a singular, all-deserving God who is both merciful and just.