Divine Control And Human Freedom

Abstract

"Conservative Christians have normally wished to affirm both of the following tenets: Tl. Humans are free with respect to certain actions and, therefore, responsible for them. T2. God is omnipotent in the sense that he has (sovereign, providential) control over all earthly affairs. Why this is so is quite obvious. If Tl is denied, it is difficult to make sense of the standard Christian belief that God can justifiably discipline human agents when they perform actions that violate his commands— that is, it is difficult to make sense of the basic Christian concepts of sin and punishment. T2 appears equally important. If it is denied, it is difficult to make sense of many other standard Christian beliefs—for example, that God is in control of our lives, or that God will bring about his desired goals regardless of the actions of humans, or that God is capable of responding in a positive manner to any petitionary prayer that is in keeping with his will"