Freedom and responsibility meet in the mystery of God’s action. Origen begins by defending free will: God gives us the power to will, but the way we use it—toward good or evil—is ours (Philippians 2:13). Augustine listens to Genesis 1:2 and finds layer upon layer of meaning in the phrase “the earth was invisible,” showing how Scripture can open many true paths of interpretation. Aquinas, meanwhile, asks whether the will is moved from outside or by passion. He concludes that external things may present motives and passion may incline, but the will remains free, moved inwardly only by God as First Mover.
Readings:
Origen, De Principiis, Book 3, Chapter 1 (Sections 15–18)
Augustine, The Confessions, Book 11, Chapter 20 (Section 29)
Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Part 1–2, Question 9, Articles 3–4
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