If man freely chose to sin and evil now exists because of this free choice, could God have created a universe in which humans would not have abused their free will? Surely God could have created a number of different universes. Is there a possible world in which man would not have sinned? If so, why didn't God use his foreknowledge to see the world in which man did not sin and then choose to create that world? Or do you think a world without sin is a logical impossibility? Or do you think that the idea of free will is out to lunch?
2007-04-26 19:26:44 · 18 answers · asked by Steve 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I do believe that "free will" has had its' better days. The general consensus among scientists and researchers (and the viewpoint from which they do most of their research, I must add) is that science is completely deterministic at the level of the human brain. There are, however, some notable exceptions: Sir Roger Penrose, one of the most respected minds in science alive, disagrees with this viewpoint.
However, new research in neurology suggests that our subconscious makes one "decision" and then hands it to our conscious, cognitive mind. The degree to which each would contribute would vary, depending on many factors. So far, though, we really understand very little concerning the true nature of our decision-making process. Therefore, it seems to me that science at the moment still has no valid conclusion (either way) concerning "free will". However, it should be noted that since most research in modern times is carried out under the determinist assumption, this could be construed as an implicit rebuttal.
Concerning God(ess)(es), if there indeed is an all-powerful god, then of course he/she/it could create such a place. One could even argue that it is extremely unfair to tempt us to do that which we are (told) he doesn't want us too.
However, as to whether a world without sin is possible: I shall turn it into my equivalent question: is it possible to create a world where ethics and principles of logical origin are respected completely? I actually do think it is possible, but of course we must learn what is "ethical" first, and we still have a ways to go on that one, in my opinion.
2007-04-26 19:51:22 · answer #1 · answered by eynigma 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're a thinker! Given enough time you would eventually figure all this out for yourself... but it is a fact that God's thoughts and ours are quite far off... and that His wisdom outreaches that of any mortal man, to whom no salvation belongs... but this is your short answer:
He created everything perfect. One spiritual son, put in charge of the planet; (such as a super-intendant of a building) decided to abuse his power and arrogantly call God a liar... He became the father of the lie and rose a sovereign issue as to who had the legal right to be the true God? In His wisdom, God had to allow it to run its course so that actions themselves (ours,) would become self-evident as to the answer to the false accusations that we had raised against Him by accepting to live by the lies of the one who made himself His Opposer and Satan... the small 'g' god of 2 Corinthians 4:4... Once this issue is solved once and for all... Satan and his followers will be destroyed and never again will a human on any planet or a spirit in any spiritual abode will have to ask or even wonder about such a question... And we go on enjoying that free will!
Just as long as we try the best that we can to make sure of the more important things before Armageddon takes care of it for us!!!
Thank you!
2007-04-26 19:45:00 · answer #2 · answered by Teri 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
God could have made any kind of world. Sure, He could have created us with no free will or with a free will that we will not abuse. I don't know if you are a parent or not, but supposing you are. Wouldn't you rather have your child obey you because in his/her own judgment, it was something they wanted to do and felt was the right thing to do, as opposed to obeying you because they weren't capable of doing otherwise? God gave us a free will that we could abuse, not because He erred or because He wasn't thinking things through. He knew the consequences of creating us with complete free will. Still, He loved us enough to give us that freedom so that when we chose Him and chose to do right, He would know it was because it was the desire of our hearts - not because we were programmed that way.
2007-04-26 19:33:34 · answer #3 · answered by Chimichanga to go please!! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sin is separation from God. God made a world in which one could be separate from God if they chose to be. Not that God is not everywhere, but that the human person can turn off that part of themself that is aware of God's presence. Love is not love if the person that you love does not have the freedom to leave you. So in this way mankind has free will to love God and be in communion with Him or to live on their own away from God.
2016-05-20 01:42:00 · answer #4 · answered by olivia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
god could have created the world any way He pleased. and He did. He allowed man to fall but also made a path of redemption. and there hasn't been free will since the fall. man now has sinful will.
2007-04-26 20:18:19 · answer #5 · answered by freebubba 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First there is no god. He was created by man. If there is a god and he created the world then he also created sin and evil and, if all things created by god is good then sin and evil are good.
2007-04-26 19:34:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure, God could have created automatons. And they could have walked robotically around the earth saying, "Yes, Lord". But God wants us to love and obey Him, willingly. He wants us to do so by conscious choice. It is mankind who willingly chooses to disobey, and thus to sin. Just as a child has a choice to obey a parent, or to disobey. The parent wants the child to obey, because it is the right thing to do, and it is the will of the parent that the child do so. There is no difference with God. He is our Father, and He wants us to love Him and to obey His words. But as disobedient children, we rebel, and do not obey. But we also can choose to listen to God and obey. It's our choice. And the consequences of our actions will be determined by the decision we make.
2007-04-26 19:34:37 · answer #7 · answered by C J 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
God isn't "star trek" or any other space show.
He is reality they are made-up.
God wanted man to have (yes) a freewill to choose to be his children.
not a r2d2 (or whatever) that follows and agrees without any knowledge of the choice.
Angels and all other creation have no freewill choice.
2007-04-26 19:33:55 · answer #8 · answered by robert p 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure. It that is the case then it is not called free will. All other creation except humans and Genes are enjoying that kind of world.
2007-04-26 19:41:08 · answer #9 · answered by feroz k 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If God created a world in which humans did not abuse their free will, would they still have free will? God would be controlling how we use this free will, therefore it is no longer "free" will.
God bless,
Stanbo
2007-04-26 19:33:48 · answer #10 · answered by Stanbo 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋