Books
Stumbled Upon…About Free Will
Feb 6th
This quote isn’t world-shaking, but it does, in my opinion, correctly state the question(s) of free-will. In my various and sundry debates with Roger on this issue, we seem to stumble at what I think is the primary question of freedom, which is not “Could I have done otherwise?” Rather, the primary or first question regards the nature of the universe, “Is the universe determined, or in other words, is the future open?”
Here’s the quote from an authoritative libertarian, Robert Kane:
Those who are convinced that there is a conflict between free will and determinism…are called incompatibilists about free will. They believe free will and determinism are incompatible. If incompatibilists also believe that an incompatibilist free will exists, so that determinism is false, they are called libertarians about free will.
from Four Views on Free Will Blackwell, 2007.
So, there are two questions involved, one which has a dual consideration:
1) Hypothetically, is free will incompatible with determinism?
2) Does the world exhibit determinism? Do humans exhibit freedom?
It should be noted that according to Kane, one can answer “No” to 1) and “Yes” to both aspects of 2), and one would NOT be a libertarian. He would be a compatibilist. One is only a libertarian (on free will, not politics obviously), if one is BOTH an incompatibilist and a believer in freedom, (Yes to 1 and No/Yes to 2).
Also, it should be noted that question 1 is on a very different plane of reasoning that 2. It may be that we can philosophize about the interaction between hypotheticals without actually believing in the existence of either free will or determinism. However, question 2 is different, in that it asks us to actually claim the reality of these concepts. This question must answer to Scripture, if we are men of faith.
Thoughts? Obviously, this quote doesn’t define “freedom”, but if you’re interested here’s Kane’s criteria for freedom:
1) we could have chosen/acted otherwise
2) the ultimate sources of our actions lie in us, and not outside us in factor beyond our control
Reading…
Feb 5th
I am going to start doing write-ups on the books I’m reading for my thesis and for class. This will provide a good outlet for the task of explicating thoughts that often go un-expressed, and perhaps some conversation if any of these posts pique interest.Here are the books I’ll be posting on:
- The Domestication of Transcendence: How Modern Thinking about God Went Wrong by William Placher
- Transforming Vision: Imagination and Will in Kierkegaardian Faith by M. Jamie Ferreira
- Inspiration and Incarnation: Evangelicals and the Problem of the Old Testament by Peter Enns
- Echoes of Scripture in the Letters of Paul by Richard B. Hays
Debts to Pay
Feb 5th
I just want to, once again, put out my endorsement of good music artists such as Caedmon’s Call, Derek Webb, and Andrew Peterson. When I really think about it, I have become of a reformed theological perspective because of Caedmon’s 40 Acres album, and the wisdom/scripture which shines forth from it. As we think about how we can sharpen our rhetorical tools of evangelism, let us not neglect the power of music and verse. Perhaps we should try to start reclaiming the classic creeds of faith and contextualizing them with music (good idea Roger!). This would serve to unify our doctrine, which serves to unify us in the mission of reconciliation. As an homage to such edifying art, I post the lyrics to Caedmon’s “Thankful”:
You know I ran across an old box of letters
While I was bagging up some clothes for Goodwill
But you Know I had to laugh at the same old struggles
That plagued me then are plaguing me still
I know the road is long from the ground to glory
But a boy can hope he’s getting some place
But you see, I’m running from the very clothes I’m wearing
And dressed like this I’m fit for the chase
‘Cause no, there is none righteous
Not one who understands
There is none who seek God
No not one, I said no not one
So I am thankful that I’m incapable
Of doing any good on my own
‘Cause we’re all stillborn and dead in our transgressions
We’re shackled up to the sin we hold so dear
So what part can I play in the work of redemption
I can’t refuse, I cannot add a thing
‘Cause I am just like Lazarus and I can hear your voice
I stand and rub my eyes and walk to You
Because I have no choice
I am thankful that I’m incapable
Of doing any good on my own
I’m so thankful that I’m incapable
Of doing any good on my own
‘Cause by grace I have been saved
Through faith that’s not my own
It is a gift of God and not by works
Lest anyone should boast
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