Orthodox Christian Fellowship (F.O.C.U.S) UNSW: Forum: "God's Will or Free Will?"

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Forum: "God's Will or Free Will?"

A big thank you to everyone who turned up and participated in our Forum last week! At the end of the night, it was a lot clearer to everyone who attended what God's Will actually is, and how it relates to our own Free Will. We were very privileged to have both Fr Dimitri Kokkinos and Professor Socrates Dokos present to us the Church's view on this topic, and also answer our questions.

A few key points that were brought up:

Are we free or are our lives already 'pre-determined' by God? Just because God knows how I will use my free will, it is a mistake of logic to think that God has forced me to do good or bad. It is analogous to a doctor who, in his knowledge and experience, tells a terminally ill patient that he has one week to live. If this patient dies after a week, then no-one will argue that the doctor killed the patient.
It may seem that the Church places too many restrictions on our lives. The Church does not restrict our free will in any way, but rather, it protects us. To be truly free is to free ourselves from the slavery of the passions with the help of Christ and everything the Church offers us.
God, in His unfathomable love for us, will create opportunities in our lives to repent, and will make sure that the suffering we go through is not more than we can bear. But ultimately, we still have to make the choice between Christ or the devil.
God desires that "all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim. 2:4). We were created free so that we might be with Him eternally and enjoy the blessedness of His presence.

Here are some photos from the Forum:

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Prayers for Students

Christ my Lord, the Giver of light and wisdom, who opened the eyes of the blind man and transformed the fishermen into wise heralds and teachers of the gospel through the coming of the Holy Spirit, shine also in my mind the light of the grace of the Holy Spirit. Grant me discernment, understanding and wisdom in learning. Enable me to complete my assignments and to abound in every good work, for to You I give honour and glory.
Amen.

Prayers Before Study
Most blessed Lord, send the grace of Your Holy Spirit on me to strengthen me that I may learn well the subject I am about to study and by it become a better person for Your glory, the comfort of my family and the benefit of Your Church and our Nation. Amen

Christ, the true light, who enlightens and sanctifies every person coming into the world, let the light of Your countenance shine upon me (us) that I (we) may see Your unapproachable light; and guide my (our) steps in the way of Your commandments, through the intercessions of Your all-holy Mother and of all the Saints. Amen.

Prayer After Study
I thank You, Lord our God, that again on this occasion You have opened my eyes to the light of Your wisdom. You have gladdened my heart with the knowledge of truth. I entreat You, Lord, help me always to do Your will. Bless my soul and body, my words and deeds. Enable me to grow in grace, virtue and good habits, that Your name may be glorified, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.