The Challenge of Foreknowledge and Human Freedom

Atheists often argue that the concept of an all-knowing, all-powerful deity is incompatible with human free will. If God knows everything, including future events, does this not imply a predetermined course of events, thereby diminishing human freedom? In this section, we’ll examine this challenge and explore why it fails to undermine the coherence of a theistic worldview.

The Problem of Foreknowledge

Philosopher John Martin Fischer articulates the problem thus:

“If God is omniscient, then He knows everything that will happen in the future. But if God knows everything that will happen in the future, then the future is already determined, and human beings do not have free will.” (Fischer, 1989)

This argument seems to pose a significant challenge to the concept of an all-knowing being. If God has foreknowledge of events, does this not imply a predetermined course of events, thereby undermining human freedom?

The Distinction between Foreknowledge and Fatalism

However, this argument relies on a flawed assumption: that foreknowledge necessarily implies predetermination. This conflation is often referred to as “fatalism.” Fatalism posits that if God knows an event will occur, then it must occur, and human decisions are mere illusions.

In response, theists argue that foreknowledge does not entail predetermination. God’s omniscience is not a causal factor in the unfolding of events; rather, it is a passive awareness of what will happen. This distinction is crucial:

“God’s knowledge of future events is not the cause of those events, but rather, it is because God knows the events that they are certain to occur.” (Plantinga, 1974)

This perspective is supported by philosopher Alvin Plantinga’s concept of “middle knowledge,” which suggests that God’s omniscience includes knowledge of counterfactuals – what would have happened if different choices were made. This understanding of foreknowledge preserves human freedom while maintaining God’s omniscience.

The Compatibility of Foreknowledge and Human Freedom

Atheist thinkers, such as Christopher Hitchens, argue that an all-knowing being would be morally reprehensible for creating humans with the illusion of free will (Hitchens, 2007). However, this critique assumes a deterministic view of foreknowledge. If we reject fatalism and instead understand foreknowledge as passive awareness, then human freedom is preserved.

In fact, the concept of an all-knowing being can actually enhance our understanding of human freedom. For instance, philosopher William Lane Craig argues that God’s sovereignty and human freedom are compatible because God’s decrees are not coercive (Craig, 2009). Rather, they provide the framework within which human decisions are made.

Addressing Counterarguments

Atheists may counterargue that if God has middle knowledge, then human decisions are still predetermined by factors outside of human control. However, this objection misunderstands the nature of counterfactuals. Middle knowledge does not predetermine events; rather, it provides a comprehensive understanding of all possible outcomes.

Another potential counterargument is that an all-knowing being would be unable to create humans with genuine free will. However, this assumes that God’s omniscience is incompatible with human freedom. As demonstrated above, foreknowledge and human freedom are compatible when understood in the context of middle knowledge.

Conclusion

The challenge of foreknowledge and human freedom fails to undermine the coherence of a theistic worldview. By distinguishing between foreknowledge and fatalism, we can preserve human freedom while maintaining God’s omniscience. The concept of middle knowledge provides a nuanced understanding of foreknowledge, demonstrating that an all-knowing being is compatible with human free will.

In conclusion, atheism’s critique of theism on grounds of foreknowledge and human freedom relies on a flawed assumption – that foreknowledge necessarily implies predetermination. By rejecting fatalism and embracing a more nuanced understanding of foreknowledge, we can confidently affirm the coherence of a theistic worldview.

References

Craig, W. L. (2009). The Only Wise God: The Compatibility of Divine Sovereignty and Human Freedom. Baker Academic.

Fischer, J. M. (1989). God, Foreknowledge, and Freedom. Stanford University Press.

Hitchens, C. (2007). God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything. Twelve Books.

Plantinga, A. (1974). God, Freedom, and Evil. Eerdmans.