Love this topic as I just had a go round w/ a friend hung up on it.
Daywalker, could you expound on your metaphor??? I may have several rain jackets in my closet? Am I free to choose which one I wear?? (I am serious) thanks.
Hello Gena, yes sure...
Again, the question isn't "can" you make the choice, it's "why" you make the choice. The "why" is what proves you don't have "free" will. Sure, you'll choose which one you prefer to wear, but there will be a "reason" [or perhaps a few reasons] why you chose the one you did...
Maybe it matches the rest of your outfit better?
Maybe it's more comfy than the others?
Maybe it makes you look slimmer, prettier or whatever...?
Maybe you're going to see a good friend who bought that one for you and so you wanted to show it off to them?
Depending on how cold it is [is it just chilly, or is it raining, snowing...?] will also have a determining factor... etc
As much as our pride and ego makes us want to believe we are 'free' and 'independent', truth is we are controlled very much by our surroundings. Why is it that us boys have such a hard time not checking out cute girls, especially when they smell good and wear mini skirts and tank tops? Well that dang 'testosterone' aint only a lil part of the problem! [
yea, real funny God! ]
Hope this helps, Peace!
Daywalker