The determinist viewpoint recounted in this article seems like unwarranted either-or binary thinking. That view appears to posit that either we're totally in control of ourselves, or we have no control at all. I suspect that doesn't square with most people's personal experiences.
(Cf. Paul's letter to the Romans: "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." Rom. 7.15)
One problem might lie in the nomenclature. The term "free will" is simply wrong. And it's not like "sunrise," which is likewise wrong but for everyday purposes the error is harmless.
(Article: Steven Cave, There's No Such Thing as Free Will, The Atlantic, June 2016.)
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Although not related to your post above, I just wanted to say that I found your site through a post regarding the Synoptic Gospels and I absolutely have greatly enjoyed your writings. Thank you for being such a voice of reason, yet still a friend with God. I wish more people realized how many Christians there are like you out there. :)
Posted by: Birch | May 29, 2016 at 11:51 PM
Many thanks, Birch; I appreciate the kind words.
Posted by: D. C. Toedt | May 30, 2016 at 06:03 AM
I just found your site and am thrilled because now I have a place to go on Sunday mornings! I am a Buddhist-leaning Quaker Catholic Jewish Existentialist who has read "A Course in Miracles" and who is currently reading the Quran in my closet,so my neighbors won't turn me over to Homeland Security.
I have no religious background other than the fact that my parents thought religion was the opiate of the masses. Actually, they said, "Bible-thumpers are morons", which I took to mean, "Christianity is for morons", but, hey, my adolescent rebellion eventually led to Jesus. I can't seem to get that guy out of my mind.
The other obstacle I have faced in overcoming my Christian prejudices is that, alas, I have New York values, and we all know what that means.
Posted by: Saralynn Ingrassia | June 01, 2016 at 08:13 AM