Okay . . . what question are you asking me?We already began that discussion, Marks. I need your answer in order to continue it.
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Okay . . . what question are you asking me?We already began that discussion, Marks. I need your answer in order to continue it.
Okay . . . what question are you asking me?
I like to cut to the chase, and in particular with a topic like this one.
So what then exactly is your question here . . . as you say . . . beginning in post 1 . . .Discuss support and implications of the two opposing doctrines regarding 'Free Will' and 'Determinism' below.
Free Will: Man has the power to think on his own apart from God.
Determinism: God controls all things.
Whatever your concept of "order and completion", if that means you aren't willing to have a straightforward and direct discussion, I'm just quickly losing interest.Against order and completion, you are skipping my chase in order to arrive to yours.
Against order and completion, you are skipping my chase in order to arrive to yours.
So what then exactly is your question here . . . as you say . . . beginning in post 1 . . .
???
Nevermind.Marks,
Not within Post #1. Consider the flow of our conversation that began from Post #1.
Please share!
Humans do make free choices apart from God. God knows our decisions ahead of time, but God does not control our decisions.
Already done, Marks.
I am waiting for you to address the question I shared.
I'm sorry, I can't quite make out what that question is through all the obfuscation.
Again, if you would like to be more clear, well, free will compared to determinism can make for an interesting discussion.
But I'm finding it very difficult to have a discussion with you.
Much love!
Humans can do nothing without God having given us the power to do it. I cannot take one step without God having given me legs to walk on. I do believe that we are free to imagine/think up new ideas apart from God; God could have conceived of such ideas. Humans are made in the image of God (not the literal image with an appendix, for instance). But, this image is spiritual. Therefore, I believe that humans are 'creators', like God is The Creator. Humans create skyscrapers, for instance, which God did not create on Earth. As far as we know, only humans create skyscrapers (the list can go on and on). So, yes; humans can think on their own apart from God.
Are you trying to back me into a corner to prove some point to me? If so, just state what you are saying outright.
BTW: the robot analogy is misguided, in my opinion. But, you have not elaborated your analogy very well. I'm bracing myself for you accusing me of being a robot!? I can assure you - I am not a robot.
So I'm not the only one.Are you trying to back me into a corner to prove some point to me? If so, just state what you are saying outright.
Hi Matt,Humans can do nothing without God having given us the power to do it. I cannot take one step without God having given me legs to walk on. I do believe that we are free to imagine/think up new ideas apart from God; God could have conceived of such ideas. Humans are made in the image of God (not the literal image with an appendix, for instance). But, this image is spiritual. Therefore, I believe that humans are 'creators', like God is The Creator. Humans create skyscrapers, for instance, which God did not create on Earth. As far as we know, only humans create skyscrapers (the list can go on and on). So, yes; humans can think on their own apart from God.
Or maybe he's talking about how God "has life in Himself", that is, God depends on no one for His existence.It would be nice if you defined your terms. Nevertheless, I will interpret your words in the hope that I have understood you accurately. Self-existent: Is there any part of being a human that God did not create? (I hope that's what you mean.) Well, no. God created the potentials that humans can exhibit. God did not create us to build skyscrapers, but God did create us with the potential to build skyscrapers. If the potential for some ability has not been created within me by God, then I cannot exhibit that ability.
It would be nice if you defined your terms. Nevertheless, I will interpret your words in the hope that I have understood you accurately. Self-existent: Is there any part of being a human that God did not create? (I hope that's what you mean.) Well, no. God created the potentials that humans can exhibit. God did not create us to build skyscrapers, but God did create us with the potential to build skyscrapers. If the potential for some ability has not been created within me by God, then I cannot exhibit that ability.
Please, are you asking these questions because you seek an answer? If so, you are being honest with us.