Biblical Answer

Implications of Molinism on the Debate between Compatibilism and Libertarianism

Molinism, as presented by Thomas Flint, offers a unique perspective on the debate between compatibilism and libertarianism. Molinism posits that God's sovereignty is compatible with human free will, which is a central tenet of compatibilism. According to Molinism, God's knowledge of the future and his ability to ordain events do not negate human free will, but rather, they are inextricably linked. This understanding of free will is more in line with the biblical concept of free will, which emphasizes the ability to act in accordance with one's desires and values.

The implications of Molinism on the debate between compatibilism and libertarianism are significant. Molinism provides a framework for understanding how God's sovereignty and human free will can coexist. This understanding is in line with the traditional Reformed or Calvinistic view of free will, which emphasizes the sovereignty of God over all creation. By positing that God's knowledge of the future and his ability to ordain events do not negate human free will, Molinism offers a nuanced understanding of the relationship between God's sovereignty and human agency. This understanding is more in line with the biblical concept of free will, which emphasizes the ability to act in accordance with one's desires and values.

The Molinist account of free will has significant implications for the debate between compatibilism and libertarianism. Compatibilism, which posits that human free will is compatible with determinism, is more in line with the Molinist understanding of free will. Libertarianism, which posits that human free will is incompatible with determinism, is less compatible with the Molinist understanding of free will. By positing that God's knowledge of the future and his ability to ordain events do not negate human free will, Molinism offers a framework for understanding how human free will can be both determined and undetermined at the same time. This understanding is more in line with the biblical concept of free will, which emphasizes the ability to act in accordance with one's desires and values.