You mean sort of like a reasonably independent adult, one who is capable of deciding what is best for himself? This is the same analogy I was talking with MD about recently. Reformers don't see it that way at all. We see man as little more than a toddler next to God. We are totally dependent on Him for everything. We believe that many of the true OT stories of the Israelites reveal this.
...... but it is much more important to come to God freely than to be forced, because forced love in no love.
All Christians DO come to God freely. The difference appears to be with what heart do we come. You appear to come with the fallen heart you were born with. We come to God with a new heart that God GAVE us. Did you choose to be born with your fallen heart? Neither did we choose our new heart. That new heart is the only thing that allows us to freely come to Christ. Reformers are grateful to God that this new heart is of such high quality that God's wishes are accomplished every time. Your side appears to hold the position that it is unfair to use a God-given heart to come to God UNLESS it is defective. :)
Maybe that's the "problem." We (Orthodox/Catholic) follow the Gospels. Being a Christian means imitating Christ, or those appointed by Him. That's hardly a parent-toddler relationship.
All Christians DO come to God freely. The difference appears to be with what heart do we come.
The Church is made up of sinners, not saints. We come to Christ with wounded hearts in need of healing, and Christ said He would heal them, not replace them.