by lovelylil 31 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
Star,
You made a very good point. Do you think a loving God will draw all men unto himself. That is at least give them a chance to know him and make an informed decision as to whether they want to accept him or not? I ask for most people today do not know who or what God really is. And even more do not believe in a God at all. Lilly
The Bible does not teach "free will." If "free will" means that man has the ability to make decisions without any sort of limitations. These limitations include, but are not limited to, past experiences, personal preferences, genetic predispositions, etc.
So we are left with two questions:
1. What is the "will"?
2. What is the "will" "free" from?
Answer these two questions, biblically, and then we can start the discussion. Until then we can't have a discsussion.
If you study the butterfly effect, you find out that a small change in one set of circumstances affects another set greatly. So, me typing this post to you could change the rest of your life. Do you really think that is the case? I think our brains work much more along the lines of probability than on every action has a cause. I really believe we evolved to make meaning of the randomness of life rather than to follow fate.
Just to add, that this is why I think we are a long way off making truly intelligent computers, because we are not using the real nature of the universe to process information like our brains do.
it seems that if you choose to worship God you give up your free will because from then on you pray for Gods will to be done, not your own.
xjw,
how would you answer those two questions you posed? Lilly
When I was a JW a close elder friend really liked the New English Bible and would even use it out in service. He once quoted this to me in between return visits:
11 Do not say, "It was the LORD's doing that I fell away";
for he does not do what he hates.
12 Do not say, "It was he who led me astray";
for he has no need of the sinful.
13 The Lord hates all abominations;
such things are not loved by those who fear him.
14 It was he who created humankind in the beginning,
and he left them in the power of their own free choice.
15 If you choose, you can keep the commandments,
and to act faithfully is a matter of your own choice.
16 He has placed before you fire and water;
stretch out your hand for whichever you choose.
17 Before each person are life and death,
and whichever one chooses will be given.
18 For great is the wisdom of the Lord;
he is mighty in power and sees everything;
19 his eyes are on those who fear him,
and he knows every human action.
20 He has not commanded anyone to be wicked,
and he has not given anyone permission to sin.
Comes from Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 15:11-20
Dear Lil,
No, I don't think God draws everybody. What do you think?
My will cost me $150, not free at all!
caveman
Star,
I think that your question would be a good topic for our bible study on Monday? Lilly
