Intellectual Catholicism God and Free Will DON'T Conflict - W. Matthews Grant & Christopher Tomaszewski
May 28, 2025
Christopher Tomaszewski, a Resident Thomist and professor at Belmont Abbey, and W. Matthews Grant from the University of St. Thomas, delve into the intriguing dynamics of free will and divine causality. They explore how God's universal influence can coexist with human agency, questioning theological determinism within Catholic thought. The discussion highlights various philosophical perspectives, including compatibilism and libertarian free will, while addressing the nature of divine intentions and moral responsibility. Expect deep insights into God's role in human choices!
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God's Universal Causality Explained
- God's universal causality means God is the immediate cause of everything that exists apart from Himself, including human actions.
- This raises questions on how human free will and moral responsibility can coexist with God's direct causation.
Libertarian Freedom vs. Determinism
- Libertarian freedom requires the ability to do otherwise, which determinism threatens by necessitating actions through prior sufficient causes.
- Therefore, affirming God's universal causality while preserving libertarian freedom presents a major philosophical challenge.
Compatibilism & Theological Determinism
- Christopher Tomaszewski embraces theological determinism and compatibilism, believing God determines all positive happenings without negating moral responsibility.
- He suggests that divine determinism and libertarianism may not be clearly distinct in God's case.