Divine Foreknowledge
Milton describes God’s foreknowledge as something that does not cause human actions.
What is observation rather than determination?
Milton says humans were made “Sufficient to have stood, though free to fall.”
What is the foundation of moral agency?
Satan falsely claims that this divine attribute predetermined his rebellion.
What is God’s omniscience?
Eve’s choice is driven largely by this desire.
What is the pursuit of godlike knowledge?
“Sufficient to have stood, though free to fall.”
What is God’s description of human freedom?
In Book III, God says this about His view of future events: “Foreknowledge had no influence on their fault.”
What is evidence that God foreknows but does not predetermine the Fall?
This is required for obedience to be meaningful and sincere.
What is freedom?
His line “What though the field be lost?” reveals this flaw.
What is prideful self-deception?
Adam chooses this over obedience.
What is companionship or love for Eve?
“Not free, what proof could they have giv’n sincere / Of true allegiance?”
What is God’s argument for genuine obedience?
Milton rejects this major Protestant doctrine by arguing that God’s foreknowledge does not fix human destiny.
What is Calvinist predestination?
According to your paper, sin results from this—not from God’s plan.
What is the voluntary misuse of will?
The statement “Myself am Hell” shows this idea about sin.
What is the idea that hell is an internal state created by misused freedom?
Both characters misuse these originally good human capacities.
What are reason and love?
“Myself am Hell.”
What is Satan’s recognition of internal corruption?
This concept allows Milton’s God to foresee rebellion but not author it.
What is divine omniscience?
This philosopher-theologian says “free will and predestination are both true.”
Who is Peter Kreeft?
According to Myers, Satan’s damnation results from this repeated behavior.
What is persistent refusal of grace?
Their Fall demonstrates this.
What is that sin originates from free will, not divine coercion?
“Flesh of my flesh, bone of my bone.”
What is Adam choosing love over obedience?
According to Abtahi, God’s eternal knowledge “does not necessitate the use of force.”
What is Milton’s argument that foreknowledge and freedom are compatible?
Allendorf argues that human freedom only has value if it includes this possibility.
What is the potential for error?
Satan mistakes this for freedom, though it actually enslaves him.
What is rebellion that becomes bondage?
Allendorf says the Fall proves freedom is only real when it includes this.
What is the risk of disobedience?
“Foreknowledge had no influence on their fault.”
What is God’s defense of his innocence in the Fall?