That's not much of a choice! Choose to use it, and choose the wrong way, and be damned for eternity. Why would God even give us free will if He would damn those to hell for making a decision of their free will? Also, God knows the future and all things, therefore he knows are decisions in advance. How is this free will? It does not compute, and seems at odds with God Himself. Thoughts?
And of the "God works in mysterious ways", that seems a copout, coming from a fellow Christian (liberal though I may beto some degree as I do not take the Bible literally although I do believe the stories happened, but tempered with what we know of science and the real world today as people then relayed their stories in the ways they knew without the benefits of explanation of modern science)
2007-03-07 08:19:30 · 21 answers · asked by Christine S 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Let's put it this way: you have the Free Will to put or not put oil in your car. If you don't, you (or your car) will suffer the consequences. Your engine will burn out. Some people choose not to put oil in their car, then act surprised when the engine burns up.
Likewise, people may freely choose to reject God, then act surprised when there are actually consequences attached to it.
Every single choice we make on this Earth has consequences for good or bad. So many people are "pro-choice", but the fact is they only want "consequence-free" choices, which is impossible. Although it is morally unethical, a woman can "choose" to have an abortion, but it comes with consequences. She gets a dead baby, suicidal thoughts, depression, drug and alcohol use, low self-esteem and a hatred of men. There are no "consequence-free" choices. Just accept it.
2007-03-07 08:38:58 · answer #1 · answered by FUNdie 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You will spend eternity where you choose to; either with God or without. It's your choice. That's the definition of free will.
Or are you angry with God for not providing you with your own separate heaven without Him?
You want it both ways. You don't want to choose God, and you don't want to end up in hell as a consequence of your choice.
If the bible doesn't mean what it says, then it's useless and there's no reason to be a Christian. The bible is not at odds with science; only the atheist scientists are at odds with God's word. There are a multitude of scientists who believe in a creator.
Real science is timeless; scientific principles work the same today as they did from the beginning. The only thing "modern" about science is that many scientists refuse to see what the evidence indicates and they do this for philosophical reasons.
2007-03-07 08:40:54 · answer #2 · answered by MythBuster 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Okay I'll do my best to tackle this:
1) damnation is just separation from God, if someone doesn't choose Him, then why would they want to be with Him?
2) Free will is a half concept until it is completed by accountability. We are absolutely allowed to make our own choices, but we don't get to choose the natural reactions to those choices.
3) God knows what we're going to choose because he knows us so well (better than we know ourselves). The closest example I can give you is that when I go to the spaghetti factory with my husband, I know he's going to choose the clam sauce. I don't force him to get it, I just know his taste there so well, that I can know in advance that that is what he's going to do.
This was pretty simplified and quick explanations, but I hope that makes sense.
2007-03-07 08:35:34 · answer #3 · answered by daisyk 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This question gets asked too many times by the people that think about free will and what it means. And you're right, it does not compute. Fortunately, it's not the only theology out there. You may want to take a look at Calvinism before you completely give up Christianity.
2007-03-07 10:12:04 · answer #4 · answered by ccrider 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
What you need to realize is what actually happened in the garden of Eden when man disobeyed the God. That is when mankind became damned so to speak. Sin entered the world and the wages of sin is death. What God has offered is a way out of that damnation. Another way to put it is, "not to choose is to choose". God knowing in advance as to what choices you or I will make does not relieve us from the opportunity or the result of our choices.
2007-03-07 08:31:30 · answer #5 · answered by Mr. E 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Love, IMHO, is the only feeling this is to no longer be compelled. Its a trifling decision. to start w/, God did no longer ask us to love him. He asked for obedience.. And U R nevertheless unfastened to obey or disobey, yet any of those possibilities correlate w/ intentions & movements U' in many circumstances take or adapt , and targets u hire. God as ( absolute) in basic terms as he's, will learn such movements ( and their effects) and are available to a selection the appropriate advantages or punishment . the father-babies analogy does not carry here. the genuine relation here's a grasp-slave courting. Hell grew to become into suggested as a effects, because of the fact of human nature. The human physique equipment is so puzzling & complicated. Its a mix of organic and organic ,psychological,and non secular entities.In our society, punishment on criminal acts 'd rebellion numerous persons from committing them, yet they have a call. why even create Hell .. seem at it from the vivid area. how a lot of human beings do their crimes an destroy out w/ it for the shortcoming of absolute expertise & justice. how many ppl have abused harmless babies, & ruined their entire existence? Abuse of the elderly persons, abuse of the technique of authority and so on. If there grew to become into no longer Hell then they 'd be in the paradise. If in user-friendly terms Hell have been there then there is not any factor of obedience .If Hell & Paradise weren't there , then there is not any factor human beings being on earth in the 1st place.
2016-09-30 08:36:32 · answer #6 · answered by benisek 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To me to let cruel murders and pedofiles live Would not be a kindness on Gods part. So good people who choose the right way has to put up with wickedness and terriorists because God can't destroy anyone?
Is the love of God violated by destruction of the wicked?
2 Pet. 3:9: “The Lord . is patient with you because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.”
Luke 18:7, 8: “Shall not God cause justice to be done for his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night, even though he is long-suffering toward them? I tell you, He will cause justice to be done to them speedily.”
2 Thess. 1:6: “It is righteous on God’s part to repay tribulation to those who make tribulation for you [his servants].”s not justice.
2007-03-07 08:27:01 · answer #7 · answered by Steven 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually if you do not believe in God or wish not to and when you die you return to the ground and never exist again after that then what have you lost?
You didn't want to believe in that death can be overcome so you got what you wanted.
I certainly do not believe you will go to the torment of hell that is not a biblical teaching because God is love.
2007-03-07 08:25:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Choice of the truth or lies
most people don't believe and obviously you are having your choice to learn more of God now and you CHOOSE not to
2007-03-07 08:24:01 · answer #9 · answered by Crystal Blue 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yup. That christian god is one cheeky fellow. You don't have to choose my religion, but if you choose not to you're damned for eternity. You gotta love em. LOL JK.
2007-03-07 08:29:05 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋