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Religion
In reply to the discussion: Let's talk about free will. [View all]Jim__
(14,540 posts)67. "If God knows which decision I will make before I exist ..."
... If God knows which decision I will make before I exist to participate in said decision, then the decision has nothing to do with my choice or action. Therefore, it seems that genuine free will must limit God's knowledge to that which exists, with the results of free will choices deemed not to exist yet (this is commonly called "open theism" ). Furthermore, if my decision really is free, then it is under my control, not God's. But that means that I have some power that God does not, and God's power is accordingly limited.
Einstein's understanding of time is that there is not really such a thing as an isolated moment of time. He believed that all time existed simultaneously - ( link to source ):
Surprising as it may be to most non-scientists and even to some scientists, Albert Einstein concluded in his later years that the past, present, and future all exist simultaneously. In 1952, in his book Relativity, in discussing Minkowski's Space World interpretation of his theory of relativity, Einstein writes:
Einstein's belief in an undivided solid reality was clear to him, so much so that he completely rejected the separation we experience as the moment of now. He believed there is no true division between past and future, there is rather a single existence. His most descriptive testimony to this faith came when his lifelong friend Besso died. Einstein wrote a letter to Besso's family, saying that although Besso had preceded him in death it was of no consequence, "...for us physicists believe the separation between past, present, and future is only an illusion, although a convincing one."
Since there exists in this four dimensional structure [space-time] no longer any sections which represent "now" objectively, the concepts of happening and becoming are indeed not completely suspended, but yet complicated. It appears therefore more natural to think of physical reality as a four dimensional existence, instead of, as hitherto, the evolution of a three dimensional existence.
Einstein's belief in an undivided solid reality was clear to him, so much so that he completely rejected the separation we experience as the moment of now. He believed there is no true division between past and future, there is rather a single existence. His most descriptive testimony to this faith came when his lifelong friend Besso died. Einstein wrote a letter to Besso's family, saying that although Besso had preceded him in death it was of no consequence, "...for us physicists believe the separation between past, present, and future is only an illusion, although a convincing one."
If Einstein's understanding of time is correct, an omniscient God - almost by definition having a Gods eye view across all of simultaneous time - knowing about your decisions before youre aware of having made them - you living under the normal human time perspective - does not seem to cause any conflicts between free will and such a Gods powers.
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But can it fill that need without contradicting its own nature: power, knowledge, etc.? (nt)
Htom Sirveaux
Nov 2017
#3
Yes of course, an all powerful God gives us the gift of free will. So that souls may evolve, learn.
Irish_Dem
Nov 2017
#10
No of course not. But S/He will let others do evil as part of their soul journey.
Irish_Dem
Nov 2017
#21
This is a difficult topic. Eastern religions suggest karma, and pre-birth agreements.
Irish_Dem
Nov 2017
#55
Extensive reading and studying. And some of it I don't know where it comes from.
Irish_Dem
Nov 2017
#68
I think the limits of human consciousness and knowledge do prevent us from understanding
Irish_Dem
Nov 2017
#34
Yes I agree. We are not able to grasp the whole picture. Just bits and pieces.
Irish_Dem
Nov 2017
#45
I think God has chosen to be enigmatic for a reason. We will never prove God's existence.
Irish_Dem
Nov 2017
#35
You are correct in that I believe that God is all powerful but does not exercise his potential
Irish_Dem
Nov 2017
#62
Htom, I think there is a scenario that fits your view. One that makes sense to me.
Irish_Dem
Nov 2017
#69
Humans hard wired for religion for survival purposes. Does this connect to free will then?
Irish_Dem
Nov 2017
#48
There is no 'free will'... If you believe in an all-powerful God, there is only'allowed will'.
keithbvadu2
Nov 2017
#70