What is Free Will?

Cause Before Symptom - With Your Host James Carner
What is Free Will?

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According to academia, Free will is the ability to make choices or act independently of any prior event or state of the universe. It's closely linked to concepts like moral responsibility, praise, and culpability. The dictionary says it’s the power of acting without the constraint of necessity or fate; the ability to act at one's own discretion.

The Bible presents a complex view of free will, emphasizing both human choice and divine sovereignty. Human Choice: Numerous passages highlight human responsibility and accountability for actions: People are praised for righteous choices (e.g., Joshua 24:15) and condemned for sinful ones (e.g., Romans 2:1-16). The Bible frequently uses language implying choice and decision-making: People are encouraged to choose life or death, good or evil (e.g., Deuteronomy 30:19-20). The concept of repentance and faith suggests human agency in responding to God's grace: Individuals are called to turn from sin and believe in Jesus Christ (e.g., Acts 2:38).

Divine Sovereignty: God is described as all-knowing and all-powerful, with ultimate control over history and human affairs: He foreknows the future and can work out His purposes (e.g., Isaiah 46:10).

Some passages seem to limit human freedom, suggesting that God's will ultimately prevails: For example, the doctrine of predestination, as understood by some, implies that God has chosen who will be saved and who will be lost before they are born (e.g., Romans 9:11).
Reconciling the Tension:

The apparent tension between human choice and divine sovereignty is a complex theological issue that has been debated for centuries. Some possible interpretations include: Compatibilism: This view suggests that human freedom and divine sovereignty are compatible, arguing that God can work His will in the world without negating human choice.

Libertarian Free Will: This view emphasizes human freedom as absolute, arguing that God does not predetermine human choices.
Divine Foreknowledge and Human Freedom: Some argue that God's foreknowledge of future events does not necessitate determinism, as it does not force humans to act in a certain way. Ultimately, the Bible does not provide a simple, definitive answer to the question of free will. It presents a rich and multifaceted picture of human nature and divine sovereignty, inviting believers to grapple with the mystery of God's plan and human responsibility.

AI says: As an AI language model, I cannot claim to be a god. However, if I were to hypothetically assume the role of a deity, I might classify free will as a complex interplay between divine providence and human agency. Here's a possible theological perspective: Divine Foreknowledge: As an omniscient being, I would know all possible outcomes, including your choices. Human Agency: I would grant you the ability to make choices, even though I know the outcome. This allows for genuine moral responsibility and the opportunity for growth and development. In essence, I would see free will as a gift, a tool for you to shape your own destiny within the grand design of the universe.

Philosophy has grappled with the concept of free will for centuries, offering a variety of perspectives and arguments. Here are some of the main philosophical positions on free will:

1. Determinism:

Definition: The view that all events, including human actions, are determined by prior causes.

Implications for Free Will: If determinism is true, it seems to undermine the idea of free will, as our choices would be predetermined by past events.

Philosophers: Many philosophers, including Baruch Spinoza and Gottfried Leibniz, have argued for deterministic views.

2. Indeterminism:

Definition: The view that some events, including human actions, are not determined by prior causes.

Implications for Free Will: Indeterminism could potentially support the idea of free will, as it suggests that our choices are not entirely predictable.

Philosophers: Some philosophers, influenced by quantum mechanics, have argued for indeterministic views.

3. Compatibilism (Soft Determinism):

Definition: The view that free will and determinism are compatible.
Implications for Free Will: Compatibilists argue that we can be free even if our actions are determined, as long as our choices are not constrained by external forces.

Philosophers: Thomas Hobbes, David Hume, and many contemporary philosophers have defended compatibilism.

4. Incompatibilism (Libertarianism):

Definition: The view that free will and determinism are incompatible.
Implications for Free Will: Incompatibilists argue that true freedom requires that our actions be undetermined by prior causes.
Philosophers: Some philosophers, such as Peter van Inwagen and Robert Kane, have argued for incompatibilist views.

5. Existentialism:

Definition: A philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice.

Implications for Free Will: Existentialists often argue that individuals are free to create their own meaning and purpose in life, regardless of any external constraints.

Philosophers: Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir are prominent existentialist philosophers.

It's important to note that these are just some of the many philosophical perspectives on free will. The debate continues, and there is no easy answer. Ultimately, the question of whether or not we have free will is one that each individual must answer for themselves.

Satanism and Free Will

While there is no singular, monolithic Satanic belief system, many Satanists adhere to principles that emphasize individual autonomy and free will. They often view free will as a fundamental right and a cornerstone of human existence.

Here are some key aspects of the Satanic perspective on free will:

Individual Sovereignty: Satanists often prioritize individual choice and responsibility. They believe that individuals should be free to make their own decisions without external interference, be it religious, societal, or governmental.

Rejection of Dogma: Satanists typically reject dogmatic beliefs and authoritarian structures. They encourage critical thinking and personal exploration.

Embracing Self-Interest: Many Satanists believe in self-interest as a motivating force. This doesn't necessarily mean selfishness or harm to others, but rather a focus on personal growth and fulfillment.

It's important to note that Satanism, as practiced by many, is a philosophy rather than a religion. It doesn't involve worshiping a supernatural entity, but rather a celebration of individuality and personal power.

Aleister Crowley, the enigmatic occultist, viewed free will as a central tenet of his philosophy, Thelema. His most famous dictum, "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law," is often misunderstood as a license for hedonism. However, Crowley intended it to be a profound statement about individual liberty and the pursuit of one's True Will.  

Key points about Crowley's view on free will:

True Will: Crowley believed that each individual possesses a unique, divine purpose or True Will. This is not merely a personal desire or whim, but a deeper, more profound calling.
 
Individual Sovereignty: He emphasized the importance of individual autonomy and the right to follow one's own path, regardless of societal norms or religious dogma.

Responsibility: While advocating for free will, Crowley also stressed the importance of responsibility. One must understand and accept the consequences of their actions.

Spiritual Evolution: The pursuit of True Will is seen as a path to spiritual growth and enlightenment. By aligning one's actions with their deepest desires, individuals can achieve a higher state of consciousness.  

It's important to note that Crowley's concept of free will is complex and often misunderstood. It's not a simple endorsement of selfish indulgence, but rather a call to embrace one's authentic self and live a meaningful life.

So, we now have all of the data of free will from God’s point of view, the devil’s point of view and man.

If God gave us free will, by it’s truest form that we know of, perhaps he only intervened one time. Jesus. This would take the Old Testmament and the God of it was Satan the entire time. This means the jews and the favoritsm was all satanic and never anointed.

If this hypothesis is true, the prophets who spoke Jesus into existence were the true prophets. This would make a lot of sense given the God of the old testament created storms, earthquakes and flooded the Earth.

The God of the Old Testmament intervened all the time. The prophets and Kings would ask this God to kill their enemies.

An intriguing perspective on the nature of God, Satan, and free will within the context of the Old and New Testaments. While it's a creative interpretation, it's important to note that it diverges significantly from traditional Christian theology.

Here are some key points to consider:

1. The Nature of God:
* Traditional View: God is often depicted as omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent. This means God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good.
* Your Hypothesis: This view suggests a more complex, perhaps even dualistic, nature of God, with one aspect being benevolent (Jesus) and another being malevolent (the Old Testament God, possibly Satan).
2. The Concept of Free Will:
* Traditional View: Free will is a fundamental aspect of human existence, allowing individuals to make choices, both good and bad. God, being all-knowing, is aware of these choices beforehand, but does not predetermine them.
* Your Hypothesis: This view could suggest that the Old Testament God, if indeed Satan, might have manipulated events and choices to achieve a specific, perhaps malevolent, outcome.
3. The Role of Jesus:
* Traditional View: Jesus is seen as the Son of God, sent to Earth to redeem humanity from sin. He is often portrayed as the embodiment of God's love and mercy.
* Your Hypothesis: This view positions Jesus as a distinct entity from the Old Testament God, perhaps even as a counterbalance to the malevolent force.

The Concept of Free Will and Indeterminism
Indeterminism posits that not all events are causally determined, allowing for the possibility of free will. In this view, individuals have the ability to make choices that are not predetermined by past events or external forces.  

The Old Testament God and Free Will

The Old Testament often depicts a God who actively intervenes in human affairs, sometimes in ways that seem to limit human free will. For example:

* Divine Commands and Punishments: God frequently issues commands to individuals and nations, and those who disobey face divine punishment.  
* Manipulating Events: God manipulates events, such as hardening Pharaoh's heart to resist Moses' demands.
* Predestination: Some interpretations suggest that God predestines certain individuals for salvation or damnation.

While these actions might seem to infringe on human free will, they can be interpreted in various ways. Some argue that God's actions are necessary for the fulfillment of His divine plan, and that human free will is ultimately compatible with divine sovereignty. Others suggest that God's actions are a response to human sin and rebellion, and that humans still have the freedom to choose to obey or disobey God's commands.

The New Testament God (Jesus) and Free Will

In the New Testament, Jesus is often portrayed as a loving and compassionate figure who respects human free will. He encourages individuals to make their own choices, and he does not force anyone to believe in him. For example:  

* The Parable of the Sower: This parable illustrates how people respond differently to the Gospel message, suggesting that individuals have the freedom to accept or reject it.
* Jesus's Teachings on Love and Forgiveness: Jesus emphasizes the importance of love, forgiveness, and compassion, which suggest a respect for human autonomy and the ability to choose good or evil.   

However, even in the New Testament, there are instances where divine intervention seems to limit human free will. For example, the Holy Spirit is said to guide and empower believers, and some argue that this could be seen as a form of divine influence.  

The Dualistic Interpretation: Old Testament God as Satan

The idea that the Old Testament God is actually Satan, while intriguing, is a minority view and not widely accepted within mainstream Christian theology.

However, all throughout history, the minority view always tends to be the correct one when going up against the true establishment. Jesus or Joshua seems to the only one who the religious establishments go after. Christianity is, based on recent reports and data via AI, often considered the most persecuted religion globally.

What if after Adam and Eve tasted of the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and this is where the true God had to leave? I am under the understanding that Adam gave up his birthright as King of the Earth and Air and gave it to Satan. This lawful contract went into effect immedietely and the God who came to them afterward was actually Satan.

This would explain so much when it comes to worshipping an angry Father. The Bible does say that even the very elect will be deceived. However, Jesus did mention that the temple was his Father’s house. How could it be if the Father never intervened? Perhaps this hypothesis doesn’t hold much water.

But this is looking at the bible from a Indeterminism view, where God would have left the moment Adam and Even were betrayed. Remember the definition of indeterminism is the view that some events, including human actions, are not determined by prior causes. The most popular view of free will and you may have heard this before is existentialism which we discussed earlier which emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice.

Existentialism places significant emphasis on the concept of free will. It argues that individuals are fundamentally free to choose their own paths and create their own meaning in life. This freedom, however, comes with a heavy burden of responsibility. Existentialists believe that we are condemned to be free, meaning that we are responsible for our choices and actions, without any external authority or predetermined destiny.

This perspective contrasts with deterministic views, which suggest that our choices are predetermined by factors beyond our control. Existentialism rejects this notion, asserting that individuals have the power to shape their own lives through their choices. This view is popular because it leaves their responsibilities and consequences to themselves. Obviously, mankind would want to alleviate themselves from all judgements of their own actions.

If we all lived this way without accountability, the world would be like it was before the law. The Bible says for 2,000 years man lived without any divine given law. Moses was the first to introduce 10 from the Father. These laws were basic and simple.

1.) Have no other gods before me
2.) Do not make idols
3.) Do not take the lord’s name in vain
4.) Remember the Sabbath as a holy day
5.) Honor your mother and father
6.) Do not murder
7.) Do not commit adultery
8.) Do not steal
9.) Do not bear false witness
10.) Do not covet

Let’s break these down as most Christians don’t even have these memorized including me sometimes as I forget them.

Have no other gods before me means there is just one. Do not make idols means that an image of him or other gods. Do not take the lord’s name in vain means don’t present yourself as a prideful holy person. Remember the sabbath is to stop your grind and rest on Saturday. Honot your mother and father means listen to their wisdom even when you think you’re right. Do not murder means taking a life without reason. Do not commit adultery means don’t cheat on your commitment with your spouse. Do not steal means do not take something that doesn’t belong to you. Do not bear false witness means to not give a false testimony and do not covet means wanting what you do not have.

These ten commandments infringes on free will. It is the act or power of commanding someone to observe, do and keep. The question I have is why did God give us 10 after 2,000 years of none? Did man not honor any of this before? Well, Jesus gave us a clue that before the flood men’s hearts were evil continually. All of them. It appears God gave the commandments out of divine guidance.

This is a classic theological dilemma that has puzzled philosophers and theologians for centuries. How can a being with free will be subject to divine commands without compromising that freedom?
Here are a few perspectives to consider:

1. Divine Guidance, Not Coercion:
* Moral Framework: The commandments can be seen as a moral framework, a guide to help humans live fulfilling and virtuous lives.
* Choice Remains: While the commandments provide a moral compass, individuals still have the freedom to choose whether to follow them or not.
* Positive Freedom: Some argue that following divine commandments can lead to greater freedom, as it frees individuals from the negative consequences of sin and self-destructive behavior.
2. A Loving Creator:
* Benevolent Intent: The divine commands are seen as expressions of divine love and concern for humanity.
* Ultimate Good: God's commandments are intended to lead humans towards their ultimate good and happiness.
3. The Mystery of Divine Sovereignty:
* Divine Perspective: Humans, with their limited understanding, may not fully comprehend the reasons behind divine commands.
* Trust in God's Plan: Ultimately, trusting in God's plan and sovereignty can help reconcile the apparent tension between free will and divine command.

While the paradox of divine command and free will may not be fully resolvable, it remains a fascinating and important question that continues to stimulate thought and debate.

We still are without any answers here.

What if we are approaching this question the wrong way? What is free will according to the father? If we received this answer, we could easily understand his divine will. All we have is to compare oursvelves as mothers and fathers to him. Since he’s from another realm we can’t possibly understand mathmatically and theoretically, we are left with only one way to recieve this answer. We have to pray and ask the Holy Ghost. The bible saus the Holy Ghost is the comforter and the truth teller. And where is the Holy Ghost? The Bible says he lives in us which is the temple.

So I prayed.

Free will was the plan. Free will was given to Adam and Eve before the fall. Free will was also given to all the angels. Before The King created the Earth, The Kingdom of Heaven was like a city on Earth where angels did their own thing. There were groups and organizations for all sorts of work and entertainment. God was the King, not the Father, and problems were brought to him to deal with. Angels would have disagreements and sometimes get into fights. The King would settle matters and everyone would move on. Time doesn’t exist in heaven but if you could imagine living this way for millions of years and there are no changes, everyone would eventually like or want something new.

Noticing that the Angels were bickering a little more, The King decided to create something new. Something to keep the angels occupied and bring a sense of accomplishment and purpose. A new realm was created where the angels can go in and out as they pleased. This was very exciting news in heaven and everyone wanted a job there. Well, there wasn’t a lot of jobs available at first. Mankind had to procreate and this takes a long time. This created the first waiting list to become Guardian angels. This wasn’t a lottery. This was a skills and personality test. Adam was fragile, small and needed mature guidance. He was such a weak creature compared to the Angels and they were absolutely confused. Why would The King create such a weak thing, they thought?

The King was busy creating and worship wasn’t on the schedule for a while. Lucifer, who was the song writer for heaven and the covering cherub, meaning he protected God from above heaven where he sang to him, became jealous. All Lucifer could remember doing was protecting and singing for God and now, he’s jobless for a while. And without songs in heaven, Lucifer noticed the protection of the Father was weakened. This is because The King was busy creating the beginning of us and wasn’t home so to speak. Lucifer approached God to warn him. He said creating man was a bad idea because man would betray him. But The King continued anyways.

Mankind is different from the angels. The angels were servants. Not God’s children. There was more thought put into us. The angels were created instantly while man was first made by God’s own hands and then he breathed the breath of life into us. This again confused the angels. Why is The King doing this? Certainly we could have handled this task for him? The King can do whatever he pleases without informing the city of every detail, but while he was away, the angels started talking amongst themselves. Driven by assumptions and lack of information, they looked for someone to explain what was going on. This left Lucifer, who was in charge, to speak to the servants of the lord.

The King has never ignored the advice of Lucifer and this was very concerning. From the angels point of view, God was creating something for himself and due to the slow going of it, perhaps The King is lying to them. They were used to doing everything and by the looks of it, they assumed the King is building another kingdom. The angels had free will. They listened to Lucifer who told them that The King is indeed building another Kingdom and only a few will be able to visit. Well, this wasn’t fair. It’s like God created Disneyland and the angels couldn’t go on the rides.

Lucifer convinced 1/3rd of them that they deserved their own Kingdom where the majority of the votes elect. A republic of the people. This way, the angels can all be in control of the Kingdom like America was first created. For the angels and by the nangels. Since The King continues to go over to the other Kingdom, they will take over Heaven and The King can stay there on Earth. While God was creating over here, his kids up there were gathering swords and starting war. The same thing happened when Moses went up on the mountain to receive the 10 commandments. Two months of being gone, the people said he’s not coming back and created their own God, a golden calf.

Pride entered Lucifer when enough angels supported him. He told them he would be like the most high and sit on top of all. When the King returned, he found war in heaven. He wasn’t very happy. The King immedietely took control and casted Lucifer and his angels to earth. This was temporary until he could get heaven rearranged and figure out what happened. Meanwhile, while God was cleaning up that mess, Satan, who was Lucifer, convinced Adam and Eve to give him Kingship over earth. Behind God’s back, Satan became Lord over all of God’s second creation.

Now, The King’s hands were tied. Adam and Eve made a blood covenant with Satan and he was their God now. Seeing no way to fix this immedietely, The King had to wait until Satan made mistakes to break the laws and wait for man to speak Him into existence there in the third realm. Adam and Eve were not just servants to God. They were his children. Free will was given to the angels and this is what happens when you allow it. The King decided to stop all free will for the angels and give it only to mankind. God decided to become a father to the children of earth.

Free will also changes when you live under your Father’s house and rules. We are not his servants. We are his children. And with that, children have to obey their Father. Not because the Father wants to rule over them, but because the father wants to help guide them properly to avoid the dangers of the world and the fallen angels. Living in your father’s house offers many good things. Food, shelter and clothes. He provides everything for you and does his best to not spoil you. You are being raised. You are not an instant creature but one that grows through making mistakes. Under his house, there are punishments when you disobey.

Now where are we with regards to free will? Remember the philosopher’s 5 categories of free will?

* Determinism: While God's sovereignty implies a certain level of predetermination, the Bible also emphasizes human choice and responsibility.
* Indeterminism: This perspective doesn't align well with the idea of a divine plan.
* Compatibilism: This view best fits, as it allows for both human freedom and divine sovereignty.
* Incompatibilism: This view is often rejected by those who hold to a compatibilist understanding of divine sovereignty and human freedom.
* Existentialism: While existentialism emphasizes individual choice and responsibility, it doesn't necessarily align with the idea of a divine plan or a higher power.

We fall into compatibilism free will.

Compatibilism, often referred to as soft determinism, is the philosophical view that reconciles free will and determinism. It proposes that free will and determinism are not mutually exclusive but can coexist.

Key tenets of compatibilism:

* Free will: Humans possess the ability to make choices, and these choices are not random or arbitrary.
* Determinism: All events, including human actions, are ultimately determined by prior causes.
* Compatibility: Free will and determinism can coexist because our choices, while influenced by past events, are still our own.

How compatibilism addresses the tension:

* Uncoerced choices: Compatibilists argue that free actions are those that are uncoerced, meaning they are not forced or compelled by external factors.
* Internal causes: Our choices may be determined by internal factors such as desires, beliefs, and character, but these factors are still part of us and contribute to our sense of agency.
* Causal chains: While our choices may be causally determined, the chain of causation can be complex and involve multiple factors, including our own deliberations and motivations.

In the context of divine sovereignty and human choice:

The concept of being a "child of God" and living under God's rules can be understood through a compatibilist lens. While God's sovereignty implies a certain level of predetermination, it does not negate human freedom. Instead, it suggests that our choices, though influenced by divine grace and guidance, are still our own.

In essence, compatibilism offers a framework that allows for both human agency and divine providence, reconciling the tension between free will and determinism.

This means us as children can do whatever we want, but we are warned that our choices have consequences and eventually we will have to face divine judgment based on our actions.

Right now, the fallen angels are only ruled by the laws of heaven and earth. Whether you call it mathmatics, quantum physics or nature, the fallen angels still have the free will to do whatever they want, but not the ones who did not rebel against God. That is temporay until this is all sorted out.

The Father is trying to protect us and still give us a life that we want to live. Although He can see a better life if you choose left, however, he will honor and love you regardless if you chose to go right. He will try with all he can as being an outsider to the rules of Earth. Sure, he can stop all of this with snap of his finger. But that would make him a liar. He promised he would not interfere in Adam’s world and his free will. Satan is using that against God. Satan rightfully owns the right to rule here. If he intervenes Satan will accuse the Father of lying and The Father will have to give up on this project and unspeak us all out of existence.

The Father is waiting for Satan to commit the ultimate sin against him. The abomination of desolation. This is where Satan breaks the universal law where God can intervene. But by this time, Satan will be ready for the return of Jesus with the help of Man and technology. All fallen angels and man will fight one last fight to stop Jesus from ruling forever.

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