Spiritual Speculation Space
Free Will
March 11, 2026
​ Discussion
-
How would you define free will? Does your definition differ from the various definitions in the background materials below?
-
Do you believe people have free will? Do animals have free will? If you believe humans have free will, when did we gain this capacity?
-
Do you know anyone who is a determinist? Is their determinism influenced by a philosophical perspective, by empirical evidence, or by religious dogma?
-
What limits free will?
-
If free will doesn't exist, can morality exist?
-
What does the existence or lack-thereof of free will imply about the nature of God?
-
What do you think of the idea of compatibilism?
-
Do you see a difference in behaviour between people who feel they have a high degree of control over their actions and circumstances and those who feel they don't have control?
-
Within Christianity, are you familiar with Calvinism, Armenianism, and Universalism? What do each of these theologies say about free will?
-
Are you familiar with how the idea of free will is viewed in other religions?
Background Materials
Material listed here is intended to enhance discussion. The inclusion of these materials is not an endorsement of their authors or the organizations publishing them. We encourage you to fact check any claims made in these materials.
BBC Science Focus Magazine: The Mystery of Free Will
Full magazine (Apple News+ link. Also available on other digital platforms).