Posted on 01/19/2009 4:57:32 AM PST by Gamecock
Libertarian Free Will
(Latin liberum arbitrium)
The belief that the human will is free from any necessitating constraint (necessitas coactio). This is often referred to as “the power of contrary choice.” In this, whatever decisions are made, its alternative decisions are viable options. The alternative to libertarianism is fatalism, divine determinism, or self-determinism. The reformers believed that the faculty of the will is free (vonutas), but this will is in bondage to its nature, as all wills are. The reformers rejected both libertarianism and fatalism, seeking a mediating position that allows the will to be free, but does not allow its liberty to act out of concert with its nature.
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This is where I get flamed by the reformed crowd, but Luther’s Bondage of the Will likely didn’t go far enough. The Scriptures refer to a number of incidences where the so-called will, essentially the human faculty of choice, was moved by God in a certain direction (II Chron. 36:22, Ha 1:14, etc.). It is not a great stretch to understand that this is happening regularly. How does God move the elect to believe? He brings their dead hearts to life and moves them to want Him, seek Him, trust Him. This drama is written, directed and executed by the Holy One of Israel, including every act, action, thought, desire, failure, success. This is divine determinism, not fatalism (events unfolding under unthinking constraint).
He brings their dead hearts to life and moves them to want Him, seek Him, trust Him.
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Will the people be able to work their will; and then accept or reject these promptings from Heavenly Father?
According to Paul in his pivotal letter to the Romans (specifically 9:10 - 24, but really the entire book), the answer is “no”. Further, according to John (specifically 6:44 & 66), when Jesus draws a man, he will be raised up. Just as I cannot determine my physical birth, I really do not determine my spiritual rebirth. This is not to say that I do not perceive the effects and changes in my heart. I am just not the initiator nor the inhibitor.
thanks for your reply
So I can better understand his writings, who does he mean when he says “the reformers”?
thanks
fred
I would contend that the roots of that phrase lie with the Council of Orange and from there run to St. Augustine to Luther, Calvin et al.
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