Is it possible to choose something other than what god knows and intends we will do?

Question

Let's suppose, for the sake of argument, that a god exists and that he created the universe knowing and intending what would happen at every moment in its entire history (as any ominiscient and omnipotent entity must surely do). How then can we choose to do anything other than what this god already knows we will do? How can there be free will if there is only one possible future? Finally, how can we be held accountable for our actions when there is only one possible outcome of any choice we make? Isn't it the case that this omnipotent omniscient god must be responsible for everything, and us for nothing?

No-one has resolved the problem so far. If the future is fixed then how can we have choice, and how can we be responsible for making the only choice it is possible for us to make?

Answer 1

That's why all these conundrums require so many contrived elements: "suppose x and suppose y and suppose z and suppose k and ... suppose n ... and then -- given all that supposing -- how does a, b, and c hold?" Just silly mind games -- let them go...

Answer 2

I asked this question myself and a good friend answered it for me and now it gives me some peace of mind. They used this example that you read a book and you now know the beginning and the end but you can't change the outcome of that book no matter what you do. The people in that book made choices and lived their lives. God is like that , the book our lives and God know the beginning and the end and we make the choices and live our life. We are responsible for the ending of our book.

Answer 3

It's an impossible question to answer...makes you think though... we will never know the answer to this question... just like similar other questions...

Can God create a rock that he can't lift? You begin to get cyclical reasoning... the never ending logic circle... Some may propose an answer but it always produces a multitude of other questions...

We have to accept that with our limited minds we can not understand an unlimited God. He lives out side of our limited dimensions... We can not understand all that He does... We must accept that... He is a god after all...

Answer 4

Well its assuming that god wants to control every facet and exspanse of the universe of whitch gods creations arent creations they are god.

So figure how then.. we would be as parts of god then if we were totally and utterly controlled by god and then look at the world for what it is.

And youll know quickly that all controlling god nothing would be possible. Nature by design is self evolving while by design it seems nature relects whats in it or in an envoirnment. By gods design its is a perfection of its role.

The trick is we are the only things that can question it.. as a creation of god.. what our job is. And if we are responsible for nothing not even ourselves.. then look at the world.

Does it look like the majority of humanity acts like it is responsible for itself?

I can leave you to ponder this but Ill answer my exspressed opinion. Logically as is written an demonstrated by life exsperiance that we have the only decisions and results oriented actions as far as.. what I am responsible for.. I am responsible for feeling good and feeling well towards others.. Having self respect and well being this comes from god I beleave.. but more importantly the initiation is not resisting ourselves.

You have a world telling you what to beleave what to buy and how to think. But what have you honestly felt yourself that youve acted upon? Do not deny what you yourself feel but fail to act on.. that mere reasonable point is being responsible for yourself.

What you do does affect others but you decide to let it affect you.

So yes this world of human beings.. at least a good 70% act as if its not responsible for what it does or do. that is a programed childs mantality. And we need to mature as a reasoning self respecting and free willed creation of god.

that is part of god.

Answer 5

Imagine standing on the roof a ten-story building. A parade is going to start in the street below. It forms, it begins, and it travels the parade rout length and then disperses. All this happened in your view.
This is the way OUR GOD sees us! Before our birth HE knows the complete and whole story! But HE also orchestrated our "parade rout" before we were even born.
Romans 8: 30. Ephesians 1: 5. Ephesians 1: 11.

Answer 6

God knows us so he knows what we will choose. We are not here on earth to test God we are on earth to be tested so we can learn and acquire knowledge. We need to learn to live by faith. We still have free will because we make our own choices, God just knows us so well he knows what we are gonna do before we do it. It is his purpose for Him to prove us herewith. We have to prove ourselves. Yeah, we are blessed that ultimately God knows the beginning to the end, part of the agreement before we came here was that we would all return back and receive glorified bodies. However, we will all go to appointed kingdoms based on our works here on earth. We, if found worthy will receive all that He has and His son Jesus. We will inherit this glory and be able to live with him in the Celestial Kingdom. We will be able if found righteous to create worlds without end. Looks like we better work hard so we can have the opportunity to do this, I'd like to see you all there.

Answer 7

Yes. It's all about choices. He might know what we'll do, but they are still our own choices. For an extreme example, you might offer green beans or a candy bar to your child. If you know your child, you're going to have a good idea what the choice will be based on human nature vs. education or "nuture".


LOL, I read up and saw my "extreme example" above. Someone beat me to the punch! Kudos to you!

Answer 8

Knowing whats going to happen is NOT the same thing as forcing it to happen.

I know my 6 year old will chose candy over veggies, but I give him a choice. If I wanted to force his choice, I would only give him veggies. Two totally diffrent things.

We have all the info we need to make a choice, we choose it, and God merely knows what your going to do, he does not make you do it.

Answer 9

you still make the choices the fact that God already knows which you may choose does not alter the fact you chose it. he can try and help or alter your choice but it is still yours. his knowlage is not stoping mens evil if it could there would be no wars

Answer 10

Did you know you can purchase a bucket of guinea-pig McNuggets in Peru... I always get hungry when I see you but I've got it under control! You guinea-pigs are too smart to eat.