Monday, August 26, 2024

You have made an insightful observation, and I am in agreement. While humanity possesses free will, it is essential to acknowledge that we lack a divine will from which to choose. In our natural state, we exist in spiritual death, yet we still make choices regarding moral goodness, driven by our preferences and aversions. However, it is pertinent to note that Calvin did not extensively explore these subtleties of freedom as they relate to the bondage of the will within a spiritual framework. When we discuss the conscious choice made by an inquisitive mind, we do not imply that this choice is merely the result of a rational model. The prevailing perspective within an individual's consciousness is informed by the understanding that a responsible person derives genuine pleasure from the object in question. Hence, moral competence transcends mere intellectual knowledge; possessing an understanding of the appropriate behavior does not ensure that we will act accordingly. The reality remains that humans cannot independently choose salvation. While divine revelation can influence an individual, Romans 1 clearly indicates that all people are culpable for sin. Each individual possesses the autonomy to navigate their own path, with their voluntary choices ultimately determining their life's trajectory. This, in turn, influences the outcomes of their decisions and the subsequent events that unfold. When an individual perceives two options as equally viable, lacking a preference for either, this does not reflect true free will; rather, it signifies a deficiency in decisive will. Making a choice inherently involves selecting one option over another, guided by personal desires and inclinations. In this regard, the subject and object of choice are intricately interrelated. When we align our understanding of moral philosophy with this concept, we recognize that our comprehension of an object is closely tied to our perceptions of its appeal and our associated desires. Our cognitive processes visualize this object based on our foundational understanding. Within the intricate workings of the mind and spirit, we often reflect on these spiritual inclinations. Effective pedagogy frequently stems from divine knowledge; it is not solely the supernatural transformation of the soul that dictates choice, but also the divine knowledge that permeates our consciousness, enhancing our understanding and deepening our appreciation of the immediate object of choice. It is often asserted that nothing that occurs is purely accidental; rather, every occurrence is the inevitable result of preceding events. I find this perspective compelling, particularly when we consider Augustine's assertion that human beings, due to their enslavement by sin—as indicated in Jeremiah 17:9—are deprived of genuine freedom, despite possessing their own will. It is imperative to engage in a profound reflection on this idea before proceeding.

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