WJEC/Eduqas RS for A2/Yr2: Religion and Ethics (DRAFT)

WJEC / Eduqas Religious Studies for A Level Year 2 and A2 Religion and Ethics

Another line of argument may challenge the view of total predestination and argue that Augustine only believed in the predestination of the elect. For example, in Augustine’s Doctrine of Original Sin he concedes that humanity is born with free will. He argued that people have an ‘essential human nature’ that give a person power to make choices that are free. Augustine then argues that

Sterling McMurrin

concupiscence acts as secondary nature which overrides a this essential human nature. Therefore, it could be argued that Augustine is actually putting forward a version of soft determinism as an argument. This is because humanity has two natures, one of which is free willed. Therefore, if this is correct, then perhaps he accepted that the extent of God’s predestination over humanity is not complete. Moreover, Calvin concedes that even the ‘elect’ could still be sinful but God predestines them to have faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, when they sin they cannot resist the calling on their lives to seek forgiveness. However, the point still remains that the elect appear to have enough free will to choose to do sinful acts despite the fact that they will be predestined to ask for forgiveness. Therefore, it could be argued that Calvin is also presenting a soft determinist theory not a predestination theory. Clearly, the case for free will could be argued for and so denying any idea of predestination. The case against any idea of predestination might include the free will theories of Pelagius and Arminius. Again, appeals might be made religious traditions that reject predestination. For example, the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, also known as Mormonism, has accepted a great deal of Pelagius free will theories. Indeed, Mormon theologian Sterling McMurrin argued that: ‘The theology of Mormonism is completely Pelagian’. An example of this can be seen in the Book of Mormon, the sacred text of Mormonism, where it states about humanity: ‘… because they are redeemed from ‘the fall’ they have become free forever, knowing good and evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon …’ Study tip

A puppet on a string has no control over its movements; do we have control over ours?

DRAFT

AO2 Activity List some conclusions that could be drawn from the AO2 reasoning from the above text; try to aim for at least three different possible conclusions. Consider each of the conclusions and collect brief evidence to support each conclusion from the AO1 and AO2 material for this topic. Select the conclusion that you think is most convincing and explain why it is so. Try to contrast this with the weakest conclusion in the list, justifying your argument with clear reasoning and evidence. Key term Soft determinism: a theory that human behaviour is partly predetermined but some free will remains

It is vital for AO2 that you actually discuss arguments and not just explain what someone may have stated. Try to ask yourself, ‘was this a fair point to make?’, ‘is the evidence sound enough?’, ‘is there anything to challenge this argument?’, ‘is this a strong or weak argument?’ Such critical analysis will help you develop your evaluation skills

Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City

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