Do you really believe that God takes an active role in the lives of men here on earth?
Or do you think that we are possessed of free will, and that our actions are our own?
I cannot see how both can be true.
Or do you think that we are possessed of free will, and that our actions are our own?
You're basically suggesting that if we have free will, then God cannot take an active role in our lives.
This is clearly a false dichotomy -- it's like saying that driving the car completely precludes the possibility of asking directions.
But that particular piece of man-joke fodder is a good metaphor for the case at hand. It's not that you cannot ask directions, but that you will not. Our pride will not allow us to admit we don't know where we are, or where we're going.
The guy at the gas station might watch you go by his corner in all four directions, and he'd correctly figure you were lost. A charitable fellow might even attempt to wave you down -- and as a free-willed driver you might scornfully pass him by. Or you might stop, get directions, and make it to the wedding on time.
In a sense God is like the charitable gas attendant -- He's glad to help if you'll let Him, but He'll let you miss the wedding if you're bound and determined to do so.
I cannot see how both can be true.
I think it's less cannot see, and more will not see.