What is the difference between not having free will at all vs. having free will but only doing things out of necessity or coercion? Semantically there is, but practically?

I agree, some people do need to be coerced in order to “do the right thing” but, not everyone.

“At the deepest level, our individual conscience is God’s voice, speaking to us.”

God, the concept, is intangible but extant, like mathematical “infinity.” However, God, the “being,” is really within us–our inner voice, our conscience, that guides us. The “Devil” isn’t a separate being–it is the realization of our inner God, carried out through actions.

Our actions constantly defy what our inner conscience knows is right. Living a “Godly” life simply translates to being able to control our actions such that they match up to what our conscience wishes for us to do.

When people “turn to God,” and “ask for God’s help” and “obey God” … they might truly “hear a voice.” That’s the voice of their conscience speaking. Sometimes, we listen and obey. Sometimes, we “follow the Devil” and let our actions manifest differently than our “God” would dictate–in other words, we sin by doing not what we know is right, but instead by doing what we want regardless.

Again, thanks for asking–this was helpful as I definitely needed to clarify this.

Thanks, I’m glad you liked that entry. I’m constantly amazed at who God is. He’s bigger, more patient, more loving, and smarter than I give Him credit for.

Shoot me an email and we’ll talk time shares.

I took a look around your blog and it seems like you’re a New Jerseyan too. Maybe we should swap lists of timeshares that we’ve stayed at to try and figure out what good ones are around here.

I really like your entry titled A Still Small Voice. Learning to listen is very difficult, but it’s worth it.

What kind of screenwriting do you do — what genres?

I found your blog and now I’ve commented twice in one day! (I was the guy who asked about the Westwood Resort)

Anyway, welcome to the family (of God). I’ve been a “believer” for about 20 years. It was nice to see you expressing such a simple and sincere love for God. If you want to know His love, then you will. That’s His promise to us. If we seek Him, we will find Him.

If you have a bible, read the first chapter of Ephesians. Notice all that He had done for us.

Stop by my site if you get a chance. I’ve got some stuff on faith, computers and my second career, screenwriting.

btw: Wil Wheaton is a hero of mine too, although I’m probably old enough to be his father.