The Nature of True Goodness: Choice, Freedom, and Divine Justice
This exploration delves into the concepts of free will, divine justice, and the nature of true goodness, drawing upon ancient perspectives to illuminate these complex theological ideas. We will examine arguments surrounding God's role in human choice, the implications of free will, and the balance between divine goodness and justice.
Free Will and the Essence of Goodness
A central theme revolves around the idea that genuine goodness stems from free will. It is argued that "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 forced obedience or predetermined righteousness lacks the intrinsic value of freely chosen virtue.
The Implications of Free Will
The document poses a challenge: if God influences all our thoughts, could He be held responsible for negative actions? The text vehemently rejects this idea, stating, "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 highlights the importance of individual accountability and the rejection of attributing human failings directly to divine influence.
Divine Justice and Long-Suffering
The text grapples with the apparent contradiction between God's goodness and the existence of injustice. It suggests that God's goodness is expressed through long-suffering and welcoming the penitent, while His justice manifests in judging individuals according to their deeds. "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" (Source: Document: 1739759105915-3cgekr-anf08.txt).
God's Perspective on Worship
The document touches upon the issue of idolatry and the worship of created things. It asserts that God is not necessarily "indignant" when another receives credit for His benefits, but He will not be "an accomplice in deceit" (Source: Document: 1739759105915-3cgekr-anf08.txt). This implies that while God may endure misguided worship, He ultimately desires recognition of His true role as the source of all good.
The Unrevealed God and Divine Revelation
The text addresses the concept of an "unrevealed God," contrasting this with the God known through the law. It references the idea that "No one has known the Father but the Son, even as no one knoweth the Son but the Father, and those to whom the Son may wish to reveal Him" (Source: Document: 1739759105915-3cgekr-anf08.txt). This suggests a distinction between a God understood through legalistic frameworks and a more personal, revealed understanding of the divine.
In conclusion, the text presents a nuanced perspective on free will, divine justice, and the nature of goodness. It emphasizes the importance of choice in achieving genuine virtue, affirms God's long-suffering and ultimate justice, and hints at a deeper, more personal understanding of the divine through revelation.