Are we masters of our own lives?

[andyklein]

Even if we accept that God is in control, the fact that we have the power to decide suggests that we are. Still, because we are God’s creation, live based on how he made us and the world, and rely on Him for our own sake implies that we are not.

 

[Frankenfurter]

God has given us the analogy that he is the father and we are his children.

So does my young son have mastery over his life? Well partially. But I still guide him.

It is a process of becoming more independent. But it is not cut and dry.

 

[Anthony_V]

Even if we accept that God is in control, the fact that we have the power to decide suggests that we are. Still, because we are God’s creation, live based on how he made us and the world, and rely on Him for our own sake implies that we are not.

This isn’t an either/or situation. We’re free, but we’re not autonomous. This is because authentic freedom is deferential to love. We are called to self-mastery, but through total submission to the mercy and will of God.

 

[3DOCTORS]

God has given us the analogy that he is the father and we are his children.

So does my young son have mastery over his life? Well partially. But I still guide him.

It is a process of becoming more independent. But it is not cut and dry.

I like this analogy.

We also have reality to contend with - I may wish to be a ballerina, but most ballet companies don’t take short, chubby, middle-aged gals, LOL! Seriously, there are a lot of things in the world around us that are going to limit our range of choices, though within the range of what is possible, we can choose, preferably something that is not sinful.

Also - and I asked a confessor about this once upon a time - there is nothing wrong with choosing one thing over another. I had tried teaching and it was a nightmare, yet I thought, “what if God wants me to be a teacher and I’m going against His will?” So that’s why I put the question to my confessor, who assured me that it God wouldn’t force me into a career choice that I would be miserable in. At least not when I had the option of different choices that were moral and practical.

 

[Pugsly]

Even if we accept that God is in control, the fact that we have the power to decide suggests that we are. Still, because we are God’s creation, live based on how he made us and the world, and rely on Him for our own sake implies that we are not.

God’s “control” of events is somewhat similiar to my relationship with my dogs at feeding time. I “know” what the dogs will do, when I make the noise of filling their bowl, even though they are free to do something else.

God is so wise and knowledgable…that He knows what everyone throughout time will ultimately do…which is why you read of Jesus giving very short answers to some people…saying things like “you will die in your sins”.
For example…Jesus walked in the Portico of Solomon one cold morning, harrassed by a group of these lost souls asking for confirmation that He was the Messiah, and finally Jesus said…“I told you but you will not believe me”.

We are free. It would violate God’s own sanctity to make us otherwise…yet God knows His own.