Free Will

By

Emilio Chaviano

March 23, 2011

Free will is not free. According to a recent New York Times article, scientists are conducting experiments to find out if humans have free will or if we are programmed to do the things we do without a choice. I am not sure I fully understood the article or the results of the experiments, but I know what I believe.  I also recently read a portion of John’s gospel where we find the account of Jesus meeting a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. According to religion and cultural traditions these two were not supposed to even look at each other much less speak to ask for water from the well. Everything was set against the exchange taking place, and yet it did happen. Jesus broke the ice by saying “Give me a drink.”  If you want to know the outcome I recommend you read for yourself. For now just think about the choices you have made or are about to make for which you must assume full responsibility. All of our choices have consequences and we cannot blame our families of origin, friends, spouses or the government. Humans are very creative in passing on responsibility unto others. Think about the cost of free will and decide if you are willing and able to pay the price. I suspect that not using our free will could cost even more.