Theology and action

Free will and divine providence

God governs all things as universal cause, while human beings act freely as real secondary causes.

Leitfrage

How can divine providence include free human action without canceling it?

Warum es wichtig ist

The account is essential for moral responsibility, prayer, grace, and God's governance of creation.

Der argumentative Gang

1God causes being and action at a deeper level than created agents cause particular effects.
2Created agents are true causes with their own modes of operation.
3Rational creatures act freely when they choose through intellect and will under providence.