Free-Will In Religion

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Abstract: Within the pages of this essay, there is the argument that religion defines what freedom and free will are, but do not take into account a person’s life experience. Their life experience plays it’s own role in shaping the perception of freedom and free will for followers of religion—that should not be discounted. There is discussion of the different world religions that were studied through out the theology course and their own definitions of what freedom and free will means within the context of their religion. Then, there is comparing of the different religions in terms of their definitions and how followers of certain religions are treated differently depending on where they live and the environment in which they surround themselves. …show more content…

That free will alone allows a follower of Christianity to make that decision for themselves and then, if they allow the Grace of God, to open the door for further freedom of accepting other notions within the Church. This idea of freedom differs from the previously mentioned religions of Hinduism and Buddhism because Christianity views freedom as a single part of their follower’s journey in becoming a Christian. In contrast, Hinduism and Buddhism view freedom as the ideal end for a follower—everything they strive to achieve, religiously. There are many denominations under the umbrella of Christianity, that do differ from one another, and to add to that, they are also treated differently as well. Christianity, in general, is the most popular in the Western World, where Catholicism specifically is thriving. The idea of freedom in Christianity differs from person to person because there are many denominations, to where there are different teachings of Christianity. All of the denominations are still under the term Christianity, and have similar groundings. One aspect of freedom within Christianity is the sense of not taking advantage of the freedom given to followers of Christianity, by Christ. Followers are able to prove their appreciation of their won freedom by using their freedom to help others and assist them when they are in need. “Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible” (Christian

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