How can Christians say we have "free will" when its Christianity itself that takes AWAY ones free will?

Question

Remember the game show Let's Make a Deal?

You NEVER KNEW what was behind the doors. It could be a new car, or 200 cans of cat food. Monte Hall always gave you the option... keep what you have, or trade for one of the doors. You were not coerced. The choice was entirely your own.

Now here is your god's "free will"...

God INFORMS YOU that behind door #1 is a great prize (heaven), and behind door number #2 is eternal torment (hell.) He SUGGESTS you choose door number one, but you are given the option to choose door number 2 (if you prefer burning.) You can opt to not choose either door, but ONLY TEMPORARILY, because when you leave the studio (die) you'll be forced to accept door #2.

This isn't free will, it's COERCION. The only options you're given are eternal pleasure, or eternal pain, unlike Let's Make a Deal, where you can just "opt out" and keep what you have.

Once you are aware god's "game" exists, you don't have the option to not play, even if you never wanted to know about it.

ignoramus_the_great

Good thing the Wright brothers didn't have you working for them.

Answer 1

So? That's the way it is...but what do non-Christians have to fear? Our God isn't real, so our Heaven and our Hell aren't either!

Answer 2

It's entrapment and fear mongering. That's why I stay away from religion.

You have free will, as long as it's within the parameters of whatever your chosen religion dictates that you are free to do.

You're exactly right.

If I ever found a religion which had a God that would offer a door number three behind which one would be accepted home by God regardless of what one had done in this existence, I might be tempted to join. Oh, and doors number one and two wouldn't exist. Especially door number two.

And I also don't understand why it's believed that you have to wait until after you leave the studio to choose any door. Seems to me it can all happen right here.

So anyhow, what would you dress up as if you were going to play Let's Make a Deal with God?

Answer 3

Monte gives three choices. God gives two. You conclude that three are required for it to be defined as "free will"?

BTW - God doesn't ask "Which of these two would you like?" He states "All start off in the #2 door. I'm offering the #1 door to you. Would you like it?" Your choice is not between #1 and #2. It's between accepting #1 or not accepting #1.

If you were drowning, and someone threw you a life preserver, your choice is to accept or not accept the offer. But it is your choice - as evidenced by the people on this site who are atheists. Especially those who have been raised in Christian homes. Pretty obviously a free will choice there.

Answer 4

IF God was like LET'S MAKE A DEAL- and you could opt out and keep what you have- what do you really have? NOTHING. Life here for a few short years and then that is it. If this is all there was how terribly sad. Why is it so hard to WANT to select, life in heaven, eternally with God? Is it so hard to admit that you are a sinner, in order to save yourself- from hell- and admit that you need a Savior. You seem to realize there are only 2 choices- Jesus- life or no Jesus- death. Why not choose life, I really have never gotten a true answer to this question, think I will ask it again soon

Answer 5

I completely agree with catlover. Free will is one of the biggest flaws in Christianity. I would only add that, much like being born gay, people are born into other bad situations everyday. If a child is born into a house where it is abused and neglected on a daily basis in the worst possible manner. And if this child at age 16 acts on it's uncontrollable urge to kill people. Is it really that child's fault that they are messed up in the head? Gods the one that put them into that situation.

Answer 6

Although we can also look at the entire set up and realize that it is obviously a made up fable. So really, it's only according to the Christian Bible that we have to pick door 1 or door 2, but since the entire Bible is fiction anyways it doesn't particularly matter.

Answer 7

Their idea of free will is boiled down to 2 choices. I don't accept their terms.Too limited. What better way to keep the cattle under control than with fear. True free will is a wide open field with any choice you can imagine. 2 options to choose from? That's not freedom. That's slavery.

Merry cmas, I was a christian most of my life. Don't dare to tell me I'm seeking god. He wasn't there in all those years. I hope by being on here I can help wake others. You are a presumptuous ***.

Answer 8

If you choose to do only what is correct, right and moral, then you have no other choice. The proof of free will is that you do and can change your mind. You know what the consequences are if you run out in front of a speeding vehicle. So if you do not want to get hit, you will not run out in front it. So does that mean you are not free to do it? Do you feel your freedom has been curtailed here?

Answer 9

I'll take the 200 cans of cat food

Answer 10

To begin with you were already condemned. God only shows you how to be saved & He gives you the keys to heaven. Your choice is whether you want to go to heaven or remain in the course you are going, He will not force you to accept His will He shows you the alturnative out of His will. Your free will is to do good or to do evil. Peace!!!

Answer 11

There are only two options you can be wise or you can be foolish, whether you want the responsibility or not it is still your responsibility. Everyone one is responsible for their own choices.