Augustine and Freedom Essay -- Papers

Augustine and Freedom Evil-doing is neglect of eternal things and love of temporal things to the extent of becoming subject to them. This is done by the thaw choice of the will . . . Free will makes sin possible but it was given that man might live righteously.1 This is a brief summary of what Augustine believed regarding (1) the blood line of sin and (2) the purpose for which humanity was endowed with free choice of the will. Though insightful as it may resonatem, Augustines statement will not set to lodge in all the issues raised by the notion of human freedom and divine activity, since with free choice of the will come perplexing questions that continue to rage in philosophical circles. Some questions, however, can be set forth that outline parameters within which to begin understanding Augustine on the issue of human freedom and its origins/causes. If vicious originates in the human will, from whither does the will come? Are there any limitations to human f reedom? Is the human will neutral or does it have a bias toward good? A bias toward evil? Where does free choice of the will come into play when individuals are saved by Gods grace altogether? What is meant by free will? On these questions, and many more related, Augustine has been an immense help. In this work an attempt will be made to illustrate Augustines skyline of free will. Such categories as Gods sovereignty in election and salvation, the origin of evil and its impact upon humanity, the justice of God, human responsibility and the providence of God in sanctification of the believer will be utilized. Augustines understanding of human freedom should corroborate with (1) the nature and character of God, (2) the integrity of... ...Gods relationship to time changed when time came into existence see William L. Craig, God, Time and Eternity Religious Studies 14 (1978) 497-503. 32.Norman L. Geisler, Philosophy of Religion (Grand Rapids Zondervan, n.d.), note 10, chapter 14, 331. 33.Cf., Lewis and Demarest, Integrative, vol. 1, op. cit., 310-328. 34. On Free Will, Book II, xv, 48, AEW, 166. 35. Ibid. 36.The Simplican, The Second Question, 3, ALW, 388. 37.Ibid., 12, op. cit., 394-395. 38.AEW, Book III, vi, 18,181. 39.The Simplican, The Second Question, 13, ALW, 395. 40.William L. Craig, The alone Wise God (Grand Rapids Baker, 1987), 135. Though Craig holds to fallen creatures having power to contrary, it is likely that middle knowledge is still possible given the alternative view of freedom offered here (viz.,