HRE 4O1 Unit 2

Dictionary definition: Free will (noun) 1.Power of acting independently of necessity or fate 2.Ability to act without coercion (did it of my own free will) Church’s definition: Freedom is the power, rooted in reason and will, to act or not to act, to do this or that, and so to perform deliberate actions on one’s own responsibility. By free will one shape’s one’s own life. Human freedom is a force for growth and maturity in truth and goodness; it attains its perfection when directed toward God. – CCC 1731

Free will is the ability to choose our actions. Are we ever truly free in the actions we choose? What factors can influences the decisions we make?

The theory of determinism states that human behaviour is influences by our…. DNA (genes) Social upbringing Cultural upbringing Psychological state, and/or God’s plan for each individual Does determinism make sense to you?

Hard Determinism Our personalities, decisions and lives are totally predetermined because of our past experiences, our genes and God Soft Determinism Our personalities, decisions and lives are somewhat predetermined because of past experiences, our genes or God, BUT we can still have the free will to make decisions that our past may not predict for us. Libertarianism Humans are totally free to choose their actions WITHOUT influences from things like our genes, past experiences and God’s plan. Which theory do you agree with the most?

Catholic teaching states that we are more than just products of our society, genetics and even our religion. With freedom every individual has a say in what their future will look like. Individuals are free to become themselves despite all the constraints around them. For Reflection: Provide 2-3 examples of what you would like your future to look like and what choices/decisions you need to make to achieve this realization.

We have been blessed in Canada/North America with the discovery of freedoms that previously had gone undetected. We have begun to understand ourselves as individuals who have a right to dignity and respect. This discovery has… Protected individuals from authoritarian governments who assumed that they governed by divine right Helped societies to recognize intolerable conditions – such as slavery and child labour Relieved the suppression of women Relieved torture Relieved the persecution of those who practice their faith

Our freedom has the terrifying capacity to turn away from God. Christians have called this sin. This ability to sin shows that freedom involves the core of human existence., It is at the heart of our relationship with God. Through sin we can say no to the very one that gave us existence. It means in our freedom we can turn against ourselves. Perfect freedom can only be attained when following the will of God.

Read Genesis 1: Creation What is the meaning of the story? Humans are “made in the image of God” – not in God’s physical image but in the soul; whereby humans naturally display understanding and free will

Read Genesis 3: The Fall What is the meaning of the story? We are introduced to “original sin” as the misuse of the gift of free will by Adam and Eve, through their deliberate choice of evil over good