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The concept of Free choice in Christianity

In Christianity, Free choice indicates the ability of individuals, including Jesus, to make decisions independently without external constraints. This concept is critical in understanding moral responsibility, as it allows humans to act according to personal judgment and preferences, affecting their relationship with God and the capacity to sin. The Catholic Church emphasizes that Free choice is essential for spiritual freedom and engagement with faith, serving as a cornerstone in discussions of virtue, accountability, and personal agency in moral development.

Synonyms: Personal choice, Individual choice, Self-determination, Autonomy, Freedom of choice, Free will, Discretion, Voluntary, Optional, Unrestrained, Liberty, Freedom, Independence, Option, Voluntariness, Election, Volition

In Dutch: Vrije keuze; In Finnish: Vapaa valinta; In Spanish: Libre elección; In Malay: Pilihan bebas; In Swedish: Fritt val; In German: Freie Wahl; In French: Libre choix

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Free choice'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) The ability to choose one's deity, which the author believes should be allowed, and that preventing it gives grounds for the charge of irreligion.[1] (2) This refers to the ability to choose, specifically in the context of the Devil's potential existence, with the idea that if the Devil came into existence by degrees, he could have been cut off by his own.[2] (3) The text indicates that God has endowed the soul with 'free choice,' so that the soul may choose to receive and retain, showing its duty.[3] (4) This signifies the ability to make decisions without external constraints, which is contrasted with the idea of faith being a natural attribute, and is a central point of discussion.[4] (5) Plato gives an exhibition of free-will, stating that virtue owns not a master, and the blame lies in the exercise of free choice.[5]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) This is an idea of making decisions without external constraint, which is a fundamental aspect of free-will; it is contrasted with actions that are performed out of necessity.[6] (2) The ability to make decisions according to one’s own preferences without coercion, which is examined in the context of martyrdom and its merit.[7] (3) The ability of man to act according to his own personal judgment rather than being compelled.[8] (4) The ability to make decisions independently, which is vital in the context of sinning.[9]

From: Works of St. Anselm

(1) The voluntary decision of the Son to die, emphasizing that his death was not the result of external pressure, but of his own volition, as he had the power to lay down his life.[10] (2) The ability to make decisions without coercion, which applies to both God and man.[11]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) This describes the ability to make decisions without being constrained by external forces, and it is related to spiritual freedom.[12] (2) The notion that Jesus' birth and entry into the world were not bound by external forces but were self-determined.[13]