Free Will... I am left with the ability to choose.
Predestination... God knows where I will end up; heaven or hell.
These two concepts often get arrayed against each other. However, I've had an interesting couple days where they have been placed solidly together before me. Augustine convinced me a long time ago, but the facts were quite affirmed for me recently.
Starting off yesterday, a customer came in and was inquiring about a book with regard to these two concepts. I recommended a few books and after a short chat that revealed to me the heart of the issue, I sought out Peter Kreeft's website. I remembered that Kreeft had a short file on the concept and that he had beautifully summarized C.S. Lewis and Augustine on the matter. (see Kreeft on Free will) I, of course, passed off what I had found to the customer. This sparked a short discussion where we hit on the main points together. I rather enjoyed that.
The coincidences, or, if you will, providence, proceeded from there.
Last night I went to Alice in Wonderland, and saw a beautiful Hollywood depiction of the relationship between fate and free will. Alice, despite knowing exactly what was in the future, still tangled with and ultimately had to make the decisions herself. A fact that killed the suspense in the movie a bit, but it worked. I loved how it closely reflected the discussion concerning how knowledge of something, whether its God who knows or not, doesn't make you do it. We still are free, by which I mean capable, to make a decision.
Then this morning (well, 2am or so), I was reading in scripture and I ran across Sirach chapter 15. Sirach Verses 11-20 are explicitly about free will and what God's relation to it is. Ironic that I ran into this chapter? I think not. Besides I think the first half of the chapter is just plain relevant for students anyway. Seek ye wisdom.
Go and Set the World Ablaze
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