A Compatibilist's Concluding Thoughts

For four weeks now, I have explored the issue of free will and determinism as it applies to my life and today’s modern society. Never before have I been asked to question so intently who is writing the script of my life and what I have found has been extremely eye opening. I find that there is much value in searching yourself in depth, because such a practice leads to assurance in what you believe; something you cannot achieve from sitting idle. With that said, as I reflect on where my heart currently falls on the grand spectrum of things, I do so with the knowledge that as I continue to grow and experience life that my stance may change. However, considering both the joys and tribulations that I have experienced thus far, compatibilism seems to make the most sense in terms of how my life is playing out.

            As I have mentioned before, my faith has always been a huge part of my identity. Ever since I was a little girl, I have trusted that God will guide me in the right direction. While I know He has a plan for me—“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11)—I find that some of the choices we make as human beings are not always in alignment with His great plan for us. It all stems back to the fall of mankind in the Garden of Eden. There, in that moment, Eve made a choice, as did Adam, to partake in eating from the fruit. I have a hard time believing that God intended for this to happen. If He had, He would not have gotten so angry as a result of Adam and Eve’s poor choice; thus, he would not have cursed mankind for their sinful nature and later have sent His son to redeem us for our sins. Furthermore, compatibilism makes sense to me in terms of how I, as a Christian, live out my life.

            With that said, as I look forward to the future and begin to prepare myself for entering the “real” world, I do so with my trust placed in God’s hands. Truly, life is like a game of cards and ever so often, the hand you are dealt will change. It is up to you to decide which opportunities you will seize (which cards you will play) and which you will turn away, much like David from The Adjustment Bureau did by choosing Elise over the other options the Bureau had planned out for him. But in the end, you can trust that you will get where you are meant to be. After all, things turned out okay for David and Elise, as well as our friend Trisha from The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon! Moreover, this idea brings me much comfort as I move into a vocational field that I am not entirely sure of where I fit yet. Up until this point, God has presented me with various opportunities in the entertainment industry, some of which I have taken and others, I have turned down. With confidence, I can say that the internships I have taken are preparing me for whatever God has in store next, which I think is a very beautiful thing. All things considered, understanding where I stand in the free will/ determinism debate helps me feel more certain in what I believe.