Originally Posted by jmp
Why throw at the expression 'free will' altogether when it captures a real part of our experience, namely, that we are not coerced but are in some very real sense the source of our actions?
I agree that the term "free-will" should and must be retained for the following reasons:

1. Because the term "free-will" is most always understood as defined by semi-Pelagians/Arminians, sects, cults, etc. It is "their" term and one which they insist exists; by their own definition. Thus it is best to retain it as it aids in understanding all that follows from the premise that man has a "free-will".

2. Our forefathers didn't generally use the term because of above, due to its fallacious meaning, but rather chose to use the term "free-agent/agency" when referring to man's moral ability and responsibility.

However,

I disagree that we as Calvinists should adopt the term "free-will" as part of our system as it leads to more than a little confusion. Let the semi-Pelagians/Arminians keep their term and let us use the more biblical phrase of "free-agency". The Canons of Dordt was clear that it did not accept the term "free-will" as a biblical truth to describe man. In short, none of the Reformed articles adopted the phrase to describe its system of doctrine. I believe they were wise in doing so over many centuries. grin


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simul iustus et peccator

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