Are human beings a mechanical tool? (PhD Edit)

From

Theodicy and Practical Theology, PhD, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Lampeter, 2010

G.C. Berkouwer reasons that God wants a free man, not a mechanical tool or creature that can be maneuvered as the Almighty sees fit. Berkouwer (1962: 333).

I reason human freedom always operates within the framework of God’s sovereignty and providence.

Plantinga postulates since a world containing significantly free creatures where good outweighs evil is more valuable than a world with automatons or robots. Plantinga (1977)(2002: 30).

Also noted from my PhD:

'People were not robotically inspired to write Scripture.'

In other words I do not hold to dictation theory, but an inspiration theory through the Holy Spirit. For example, the Apostle Paul was a Hebrew Bible scholar and was inspired within that framework,

2 Peter 1:20-21

New American Standard Bible (NASB) 20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

February 2, 2017

In my view, human nature is not neutral. It is fallen (Genesis 3, Romans, Hebrews). I therefore do not hold to libertarian free will. For the most part, one cannot choose his/her own nature and therefore, any significantly freely made thoughts, acts and actions come from that nature.

If thoughts, acts and actions are forced or coerced, a secondary entity is not significantly morally responsible. If something is forced or coerced, it could be considered as mechanical from the secondary entity. I do reason that God could force or coerce human beings and all creatures, but also reason human beings and creatures would not be significantly responsible for thoughts, acts and actions.

When I state, for the most part, I would reason that one could stop smoking, a slight change in nature, I suppose, but biblically outside of the triune God, the atoning work of Jesus Christ and the resurrection, one cannot stop sinning in the body. The essential ontological nature is set.

At least in general terms, I do not see human beings or angelic beings (demonic included) as mechanical tools because I reason limited free will exists, which has humanity and angelic beings as secondary causes, embrace the willfully made choices of God, the first cause. This is true whether God, directly wills something or indirectly allows something.

Berkouwer 2014

BERKOUWER, G.C. (1962) Man: The Image of God, Grand Rapids, W.M.B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

PLANTINGA, ALVIN C. (1977)(2002) God, Freedom, and Evil, Grand Rapids, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

PLANTINGA, ALVIN C. (1982) The Nature of Necessity, Oxford, Clarendon Press.

PLANTINGA, ALVIN C. (2000) Warranted Christian Belief, Oxford, Oxford University Press.