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'The answer to this is very simple, dh. God did not create moral automatons because He created self-directed, self-willed beings, and that, because that is what He is, and it was a perfect creation.' and that is because God created us for His good and perfect pleasure, as relational beings for him.

Try relating to a robot, or even an animal, compared to a living human. There is a difference.

The difference shows relation to God is ultimately, the definition of life.

He created self-directed, self-willed beings, and that, because that is what He is, and it was a perfect creation.' and that is because God created us for His good and perfect pleasure, as relational beings for him.

If I could understand this, I'd probably think it was self-serving hogwash. If God made us self-willed and self-directed on purpose, why do you think one of our most important purposes wouldn't be to develop moral restraints through observation, reason and education? God wanted us to find water and food for ourselves, didn't he? If God is such a big fan of free will, why do you think God invented our moral restraints free of charge when he couldn't bring himself to provide us with food and water free of charge?