Morally Depraved?

[Pathway2]

Tell me though scripture that we, though we are separated from God, we are not lacking in free will anymore. I acknowledge that original sin has affect us, yet not distinguished our free will in Catholic Theology.

 

[De_Maria]

Tell me though scripture that we, though we are separated from God, we are not lacking in free will anymore.

Anymore? When were we ever lacking in free will?

I acknowledge that original sin has affect us, yet not distinguished our free will in Catholic Theology.

I’m not sure what that means? “distinguished” our free will?

It seem as though you’re asking for Bible verses that acknowledge the existence of “free will”. Here’s a couple.

Deuteronomy 30:19 This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live

If you can choose anything, then you have free will.

John 7:16 Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. 17 Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.

We can choose to do the will of God.

 

[Francis]

Tell me though scripture that we, though we are separated from God, we are not lacking in free will anymore. I acknowledge that original sin has affect us, yet not distinguished our free will in Catholic Theology.

Freedom of Choice​

Sirach 15:11 Do not say, “It was the Lord’s doing that I fell away”;
for he does not do what he hates.
12 Do not say, “It was he who led me astray”;
for he has no need of the sinful.
13 The Lord hates all abominations;
such things are not loved by those who fear him.
14 It was he who created humankind in the beginning,
and he left them in the power of their own free choice.
15 If you choose, you can keep the commandments,
and to act faithfully is a matter of your own choice.
16 He has placed before you fire and water;
stretch out your hand for whichever you choose.
17 Before each person are life and death,
and whichever one chooses will be given.
18 For great is the wisdom of the Lord;
he is mighty in power and sees everything;
19 his eyes are on those who fear him,
and he knows every human action.
20 He has not commanded anyone to be wicked,
and he has not given anyone permission to sin.

 

[fhansen]

A principle is set down in Deut 30:15-16:
"See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess."

But all of Scripture is an appeal to the will of man, calling him to God. And this is why, in the New Testament as well, there are constant encouragements and admonishments and warnings to be holy, be perfect, remain faithful, remain in Christ, refrain from sin, invest one’s talents, be vigilant, keep oil in one’s lamp, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, be good soil, etc, generally with ones salvation at stake.

 

[Nita]

I’m thinking that by “distinguished” you meant “destroyed”. If so then you are very correct in saying that, according to Catholic theology, original sin did not “destroy” our free will. After original sin our will was weakened but it was not destroyed or taken away.

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

418 As a result of original sin, human nature is weakened in its powers, subject to ignorance, suffering and the domination of death, and inclined to sin (this inclination is called “concupiscence”).

(Free will is one of the “powers” of human nature)