Free Will

Yesterday's sermon was built around Genesis 3 - the story of the "fall" of Adam and Eve. Those of you who are familiar with this story know that YHWH created the garden and put man and woman there to live. YHWH told the man that he could have anything he wanted except the fruit of one tree - the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. YHWH told Adam that if he did eat it "he would surely die". You know the rest of the story...serpent, twisted words, choices, shame and blame, eviction for all human kind from Eden. Adam and Eve didn't die physically, but their relationship with YHWH surely did. It was the beginning of the use of our free will to sin (to move out of relationship with YHWH) and we've kept on going ever since. One of the fundamental theological questions therefore is, why did YHWH give humans the ability to choose? Knowing that we were made in the image of YHWH, but were not actually YHWH, wouldn't it have been safer and simpler to command us what to do? the answer is yes, it would have made things a whole lot easier for YHWH, however, YHWH seems to not have wanted automatons - YHWH wanted companions, friends and lovers. Commanding us to love YHWH would have created resentment and would not have allowed true and open relationship (love) to develop. Free will is the cornerstone of the ability to truly love and to be in right relationship with YHWH and with each other (the two great commandments). Free will also allows us not to believe in YHWH or anything but our own intellect (thank you Descartes) and abilities - and this is what has caused all the issues that we're currently struggling against in the world. It's all about choices, as a dear friend of mine loves to say. There are choices that lift us and others up, and choices that burden and enslave us and the world. There are choices to live more in tune with YHWH and each other, and choices that move us farther away. Choices for a healthier, less broken and more well life, and choices that further destroy our bodies. Though we are so intelligent we are not wise...Jesus the Christ said it from the cross, "Forgive them Father for they know not what they do." We are like perpetual teenagers looking for freedom and independence without responsibility or consequence or insight. Indeed, when we forget to spend time with YHWH, we follow our own idols and gods and we "surely die" to all that can give meaning. This week, take a look at your choices. Evaluate them in light of any sacred text and see how they stack up. I challenge you to make one choice, one act of free will that will move you closer to YHWH and to each other. Peace for the journey, Dan