Free Will

Have you ever had a discussion with your child on the subject of 'Free Will'? I cannot say that I have ever 'directed' a conversation on that topic with my sons but they have listened, and participated, in such a discussion with myself and my husband. On that memorable occasion, we were debating the problem of free will, omnipotence and omnipresence and my husband, raised a Catholic and product of a Jesuit college, said firmly, 'When the subject came up in school, the priest's response was simple: When God gave man free will, he CHOSE to surrender omnipotence.' This was in response to my comment that I couldn't understand how man could have free will, behave badly -- get into pain and suffering, and be allowed to do so. As a parent who dearly loves her children, I couldn't IMAGINE watching a child heading into disaster without trying to stop or redirect it. If God was indeed a loving God and parent, how then could this be possible? My husband's answer -- to his mind, allowed for a loving God who willing surrendered the power to protect. This conversation was taking place in the car on the way to Gymnastics and my husband had, cleverly, timed his comment to coincide with our arrival at our destination. The subject, I thought, was closed.

I should have known better.

Several WEEKS, not days, not hours, but WEEKS afterwards, I was having a vocal struggle with my six year old. He wanted to do something that I considered dangerous and I had said 'NO!' In frustration, he finally stormed "I BELIEVE IN FREE WILL AND I WANT MINE!" Snort. It is a good thing that I have lived with this roller coaster since his birth, I retorted 'Well, I am not God and so cannot afford to give up that power. The answer is "No!" To say that I 'won' the argument would be overly optimistic. He didn't do what he wanted to do but I have no doubt that the subject of Free Will will come up again. To that end, I am now working up a 'lesson plan' on the subject of Free Will and Responsible application thereof... Grin.