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Freedom vs. Predestination

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If religious determinism or predestination is true, then how is there free will? In order to answer that question, I will attempt to perform a comparative analysis that reflects the difference between predestination and freedom. Moreover, I will provide an example of each and reflect how these theories are applicable for today's society.

According to Thiroux and Krasemann (2012), predestined is, “A religious version of determinism that states essentially that because God knows all, He has also foreordained everything to happen the way it has from the beginning. Human beings are completely determined by a supernatural power.” Does this mean that human beings cannot make any choices since everything has been predestined, programmed, “predetermined” by God almighty?

If, for example, He has decided that I will live in poverty for my entire life, then I would live in poverty; despite my college education and efforts. This would mean that I have absolutely no say in the matter because I am predestined by a supernatural being.

The theory of predestination was most strongly presented by the Protestant minister and theologian John Calvin (1509-1564), who said that individuals can do nothing to ensure their own salvation (Thiroux & Krasemann, 92).

I have a problem with this theory. Because there is no proof that there is such a being and He created the world and is undeniably all-powerful and all-knowing (Thiroux & Krasemann, 12).

Some people believe that humans have the “free will” to choose their actions without being preordained to follow a certain course. What is free will and what determines it? For me, free will is the ability to make choices according to your desire. We choose our goals, values, beliefs, careers, friends, lovers, and moral position. Simply put, free will pertains to choices that we can influence, such as, “I could have lied to

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