"Creating is the same as causing."
But you can create something with free will, yes? Cause something that can make choices?
"Once the creation is settled upon and started, then there is no turning back."
Do you remember what God is quoted as saying about his creation of man - just before the flood?
"God did not choose that course. He chose this one."
Which could just as logically include free will. Even though he foreknew what each will would do. Perhaps this is what a compassionate God who didn't wish to make slaves and victims would do?
I do understand your point. However, if the details end up with caprice and cruelty, I'm gonna look for where the holes MUST be.
And here's where they leap out at me: God can be omniscent and omnipotent and choose to create a world with free will. There is no necessary contradiction. That He knows how it unfolds and still creates it does not prohibit the existence of free will.
So maybe our disconnect is on the existence of free will? If we have no disagreement here, then maybe we should look for how we're not really arguing.
Either way the answer is simple trust in the Almighty.
We certainly agree here. But if we cannot choose otherwise, then why are we all here discussing it?
Let me ask this: Let's say that tomorrow you have to decide to drive the car or get a ride from someone else. You decide to drive the car.
Before it happens does God know what your free will choice will be?
Since He knows it to be "drive the car" will it be "get a ride?"