Anthropology Freedom

1
Anthropology Freedom

• Genesis 2-3 our fundamental fault
• Philosophical revisions
• St. Augustine
• modern

2
Biblical TheologyHumanitys Fundamental Fault

• choice involves distinction (good / bad)
• freedom is linked to truth (knowledge of
  distinction)
• human action is limited
• by perception (what we see, not always true)
• by desire (what we want, not always good)
• sin acting on desire without consideration of
  good

3
The Nature of Freedom

• MANICHAEN
• dualistic view of world (good and evil as polar
  opposites)
• tragic view of life (determined by fate)
• evil being
• Augustine human inclination to the good

• PELAGIAN
• absolutist view of world (we do what we choose)
• ethical view of life (we make good or bad
  choices)
• evil doing
• Augustine imperfect creatures cannot always
  choose the good

4
St. Augustine

• humans have a transcendent inclination toward
  what is ultimately good
• our weakness of will (concupiscence) tempts us
  to choose as we want / desire
• need of grace always making the good/right
  choice is not possible

5
Modern Philosophical Revisions

• Philosophy freedom as angst
• having to choice limits humans
• worry arises about making the best choice
• Psychology freedom as development
• id (desire) and ego (reasoning) in conflict
• superego (choice) requires maturation
• Sociology freedom vs. structures of sin
• environment affects/limits ability to choose good