Can God intervene in our lives? Wouldn't that negate our free will?

Answer 1

It makes more sense the less you think about it.

Answer 2

Yes, he can and does intervene in our lives, but this is a Calvinistic concept that most people don't agree with. It doesn't negate our free will, we still have it, but we have to consider it as damaged and incapable of looking to God for salvation. Everything else is just day-to-day decisions then, that do not merit heaven and this only results in our destruction. If we really are "totally depraved", then God must intervene to save us, and this gives a little bit different meaning to predestination and foreknowledge. Since God would be totally justified in leaving us in our sins, we can now look at foreknowledge in a loving manner where God chooses his own from before the foundations of the world because he loves us -- us meaning the Elect.

This doesn't breed a pride for those that are saved, but rather a humility of knowing where they would've been if God did not directly intervene in their lives through the action of the Holy Spirit. This doesn't negate free will, but it doesn't look at it in a positive light, either.

Answer 3

In principle, it would be possible to do so, and it could be done in a way that would not negate free will. If you pray for rain, and it does, you could suppose that god intervened, but there would be little effect (if any) on what you might or might not do. But I find no reason to believe in any of this -- no evidence.

Answer 4

The problem of free will concerns whether rational agents imagine or really do exercise control over their own actions and decisions. Addressing this problem requires understanding the relation between freedom and causation, and determining whether or not the laws of nature are causally deterministic. The various philosophical positions taken differ on whether all events are determined or not—determinism versus indeterminism—and also on whether freedom can coexist with determinism or not—compatibilism versus incompatibilism. So, for instance, hard determinists argue that the universe is deterministic, and that this makes free will impossible.

The principle of free will has religious, ethical, and scientific implications. For example, in the religious realm, free will may imply that an omnipotent divinity does not assert its power over individual will and choices. In ethics, it may imply that individuals can be held morally accountable for their actions. In the scientific realm, it may imply that the actions of the body, including the brain and the mind, are not wholly determined by physical causality. The question of free will has been a central issue since the beginning of philosophical thought.

In Christian theology, God is described as not only omniscient but omnipotent; a notion which some people, Christians and non-Christians alike, believe implies that not only has God always known what choices individuals will make tomorrow, but has actually determined those choices. That is, they believe, by virtue of his foreknowledge he knows what will influence individual choices, and by virtue of his omnipotence he controls those factors. This becomes especially important for the doctrines relating to salvation and predestination. Other branches, such as Methodists, believe that while God is omnipotent and knows the choices that individuals will make, he still gives individuals the power to ultimately choose (or reject) everything, regardless of any internal or external conditions relating to the choice. For example, when Jesus was nailed on the cross, the two murderers, one on each side, were about to die. Only one asked Jesus for forgiveness while the other, even at the end of his life with nothing else to lose, mocked Jesus. In the view of Methodists and others who believe in free will, this was a free choice of everlasting death over everlasting life.

Answer 5

God, gods and angels ( all similar entities ) will not stop anyone from performing any act good or evil. Some of us pray to God to deliver us from evil and temptation, I think that is a "slap in god's face" prayer.

If god can send evil and temptation to ALL the great prophets, sages, priests and even Jesus, why should we be any different?

BUT... I do believe, with each trial or temptation, a "way out" is always provided... question is are we able to calm ourselves enough to look beyond the Smog of fear and see the Fire Escape door that has been provided? Most times we all want the easy way out... Look for the lift!!!... Fire escape?? No Thanxs too many stairs to climb/descent...lol I know I do

Answer 6

God never intervenes in our lives without us asking in one way or another before during or after this experience.

Answer 7

I believe He can only intervene if you (by free will) ask Him for help in complete faith and have no doubts.

Answer 8

I think what he does is set things in motion by persuading us,but does not interfere with free will.Wwe still have the choice to do right or wrong ,good or bad

Answer 9

god doesnt intervene..he guides you in the right direction. you always have free will.....you can either go in the right direction or the wrong.

Answer 10

There are two wills in this world (good and evil) God's and satan's. If you are in God's will and testament He can do what ever for your sake.

Answer 11

Yeah, but see we must live our "free will" around God's will.