determinism debate arises in discussions of religion. Christians, for instance, believe that all things are created by one omniscient, omnipotent being-God. Regarding this issue, a determinist would claim that if God made man and all other things, including those which contribute to man's decisions and actions, then He has predetermined those decisions and actions. Some Christians, however, believe that God allows man the power of choice or free will. This means that people make their own decisions, without being forced, by God, to act one way or another. This could be compared to the way parents raise their children, but ultimately have no control over the decisions they make. The problem with this claim is that, if God knows everything, then Him knowing a thing makes it predetermined. For example, a man is driving down a road and comes to a point where the road splits. If God already knows that the man will go left, could the man possibly go right? Any Christian would have to say no, which is to admit that the man does not have a choice in the matter. To say yes would be admitting that God could be wrong.
Another topic, which addresses Determinism vs. Free Will, is morality. According to the determinist view, a person's actions are completely predetermined. This means that people are not responsible for their actions, nor can they be judged according to their actions. Yet, social and governmental structures all over the world practice punishment for those who act outside the moral or criminal code. How can society blame or praise a person for an action which he himself had no control over? It is inconsistent to say that a person is not responsible for his bad deed and then punish him for that deed. It seems that even those who deny the existence of free will still live their lives as if it does exist (Questions that Matter 422). They ponder over decisions, as if they actually have a choice in what actions they will take; they punish their child for bad behavior, as if the child is responsible; they regret making certain choices, as if it could be any other way.
