Luis De Molina Concordia Del Libre Arbitrio
“Luis De Molina’s Concordia Del Libre Arbitrio is a powerful and insightful work that tackles the complex issue of free will within the context of God’s foreknowledge. Molina’s intricate arguments weave together reason and faith, demonstrating how free will and divine predestination can coexist harmoniously. The book’s clarity and depth make it a rewarding read for anyone interested in theological discourse.”
Luis De Molina’s Concordia Del Libre Arbitrio: Reconciling Free Will and Divine Foreknowledge
Luis De Molina’s Concordia Del Libre Arbitrio, a seminal work in the history of theology, stands as a landmark attempt to reconcile the seemingly contradictory concepts of free will and divine foreknowledge. Published in 1588, this treatise remains a cornerstone of Molinism, a theological system that has significantly influenced Catholic thought.
The Problem of Free Will and Divine Foreknowledge
The tension between free will and divine foreknowledge has long plagued theologians. If God knows everything that will happen, including our choices, does that mean our choices are predetermined, stripping us of free will? How can we be truly responsible for our actions if God already knows the outcome?
Molina’s Solution: Middle Knowledge
Molina, a Spanish Jesuit, proposed a novel solution: the concept of “middle knowledge” (also known as “scientific knowledge”). Middle knowledge refers to God’s knowledge of what would happen in any possible world, including worlds where humans make different choices. This knowledge is distinct from God’s knowledge of the actual world, which is the only world that exists.
How Middle Knowledge Works
Imagine a chess game. God knows all possible moves that could be made, but He doesn’t know which moves will actually be played until they happen. Similarly, God knows all the possible choices humans could make, but He only knows which choices will be made in the actual world after those choices are made.
Implications of Molinism
Molinism has several significant implications:
- Human Freedom is Real: Molinism asserts that humans have genuine free will. Our choices are not predetermined by God; rather, God knows what we will choose based on our free will.
- God is Not Deterministic: God is not forced to act according to a fixed plan. He can respond to our choices and even intervene in the world, but He is not bound by a preordained script.
- Divine Foreknowledge is Compatible with Free Will: Molinism demonstrates that God’s foreknowledge does not negate human freedom. It is not that God knows what we will do because it is already determined; rather, God knows what we will do because we are free to choose.
Criticisms of Molinism
Molinism has been subject to various criticisms. Some argue that it makes God’s knowledge contingent on human choices, which seems to diminish His omnipotence. Others argue that it complicates God’s nature and introduces unnecessary complexities.
Legacy of Concordia Del Libre Arbitrio
Despite the criticisms, Concordia Del Libre Arbitrio has had a profound impact on Christian theology. Molinism has been influential in both Catholic and Protestant circles, and it continues to be debated and discussed today. This work has opened up new avenues for understanding the relationship between God, humans, and free will.
Conclusion
Luis De Molina’s Concordia Del Libre Arbitrio is a groundbreaking work that offers a nuanced and insightful approach to the complex issue of free will and divine foreknowledge. Although debated and contested, Molinism has profoundly impacted theological thought, providing a framework for understanding the intricate interplay of human freedom and God’s knowledge. It remains a valuable resource for those seeking to reconcile these seemingly contradictory concepts.
References
- Molina, L. (1588). Concordia Del Libre Arbitrio.
- Craig, W. L. (1990). The only wise God: An investigation of the divine attributes. Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers.
- Kane, R. (1996). The significance of free will. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Luis De Molina Concordia Del Libre Arbitrio by Luis de Molina |
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| Title: | Luis De Molina Concordia Del Libre Arbitrio |
| Author: | Luis de Molina |
| Subjects: | Teología |
| Language: | spa |
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| Collection: | folkscanomy_philosophy, folkscanomy, additional_collections |
| BooK PPI: | 300 |
| Added Date: | 2020-11-04 23:24:54 |
