Resolving the free will paradox

The question of whether human free will can coexist with an omniscient God is a cornerstone of theological debate, and it manifests differently across Christian traditions. In Catholic and Orthodox theology, free will is considered a fundamental aspect of human nature, gifted by God. This perspective holds that God's omniscience does not predetermine human actions but rather encompasses all possibilities, including those chosen by human free will. Catholic doctrine, as articulated in the Catechism, emphasizes that God's foreknowledge does not compel human decisions; instead, God knows what humans will freely choose. The Orthodox Church similarly asserts that God's knowledge is not causal but rather an eternal understanding of all that occurs in time, thereby preserving human freedom while affirming divine omniscience.

In contrast, Calvinist theology, a subset of Protestant thought, introduces the concept of predestination, which complicates the relationship between omniscience and free will. According to Calvinism, God not only knows all things but has also predestined all events, including human salvation or damnation. This doctrine, known as "double predestination," suggests that human choices are part of God's sovereign plan, where free will is understood within the context of divine decree. The Westminster Confession of Faith, a Calvinist document, posits that while humans act freely according to their nature, their choices are ultimately within the framework of God's will. Here, free will exists, but it's directed by God's eternal decree, raising questions about the extent and nature of human agency.

Catholic and Orthodox theologians counter this by arguing that God's foreknowledge respects human freedom, drawing on philosophical distinctions like the "eternal now" where God sees all moments simultaneously, not sequentially. They argue that God's plan includes human freedom as an integral part, where God's omnipotence and omniscience work in tandem with, rather than against, human free will. This view is supported by the doctrine of divine providence, where God guides events without violating human freedom, much like a chess master who knows all possible moves but does not dictate each player's choice.

In the film Appealing, the character of God elucidates to the protagonist the Catholic/Orthodox doctrine of free will. The protagonist, a lawyer by trade, is able to find a logical hole in the argument using a coin toss.

Scene from the film Appealing (more at AppealingFilm.com)

“That’s free will for you,” says God, “Even confounds God. That’s why you people are so damned annoying.” The paradox comes about — not because God knew her answer, but because he communicated it to her inside of linear time. Thus these three things can’t co-exist: Omniscience, free will, and God’s ability to communicate directly with people. This is a paradox that can’t easily be resolved. If you add omnipotence to the mix, we end up with a tangled web of logic akin to the “when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object.” The movie goes on to resolve this dilemma, which is why I hope everyone will take 45 minutes to watch it.