Human Freedom and Moral Responsibility In The Light of Theistic Beliefs

Theistic and atheistic beliefs respectively play a fundamental role in the definition of man s free will and moral responsibility, so far as they can determine the nature, quality, and quantity of human s freedom. After believing in God, the belief in a revealed or a non-revealed religion and the manner in which God’s attributes are interpreted play an essential role in the definition of free will. In fact, the nature of our understanding of some of God’s attributes—such as His knowledge, power, will, creation, and sovereignty—as well as His relation to human beings can impact the way we envision the quality and quantity of man’s free will. In revealed religions, God is introduced as the personal and all-powerful being, who is the real creator of humans, and humans are considered His creatures, servants, and vicegerents. Human free will and moral responsibility is defined in the light of such a theistic perspective.