God's judgement and Determinism

Hi there!This is my first post on these forums. I study psychology at the Erasmus University of Rotterdam (Netherlands) with a specialization in biological/evolutionary psychology. I consider myself to be a genuine agnostic in this matter, believing there are convincing arguments both in favour and against both positions.In this topic, I'd like to discuss what's been a fascinating issue for me for a long time: the conflict between the Biblical concept of being judged by God and the philosophical theory of determinism (or causality).The Bible, as most other Holy Books, clearly states that people on earth are judged by their works on the earth:"I saw the dead, both important and unimportant people, standing in front of the throne. Books were opened, including the Book of Life. The dead were judged on the basis of what they had done, as recorded in the books." (Revelations 20: 12)However, God the Bible also contains passages suggesting that God is a fair judge:"God is a righteous judge, a God who expresses his wrath every day." (Psalm, 7: 11)The argument I'd like to make: A fair and just God cannot judge humans based on their behaviour, because all human behaviour is determined by causality, which is outside of our control. I'll elaborate on the question why this is so.In introductory psychology courses, we sometimes draw a little diagram to show how behaviour is determined. It comes down to this:
Genes + environment = personality. Personality + situation = behaviour.Genes and environment determine your personality. Personality and situation determine your behaviour. Your genetic makeup is inherited from your parents and outside of your control. So is your upbringing and so is the environment you are born in. The situation you find yourself in may be arbitrary at times and at other times a consequence of your personality interacting with the environment. This leads to the following conclusion:Your personality and behaviour are not voluntary choises.There's also a more physical way of thinking about this. Everything you ever do, feel or think is a consequence of your brain interacting with the laws of physics. Consciousness is a product of the brain. And the brain is a product of the laws of physics interacting with matter in the universe.Initial state of the universe + laws of physics = later state of the universeThis includes human brains and therefore, human behaviour. We really do not have a free will. Everything we do is a consequence of a prior, physical cause.The conflict is this:
God claims to be infallible and just, yet the Bible says that He judges humans on their behaviour on earth, which we now know to be completely deterministic and outside of human control or influence. Doing this would make God immoral and, therefore, no longer infallible, and therefore, no longer God.I'm interested to hear what (especially religious) people have to answer to this. Do they suggest that God doesn't judge people on their behaviours? Do they think that determinism is wrong, and why so?Edited by The Agnostic, : No reason given.Edited by The Agnostic, : Edited for clarity at Admin's request.

Welcome to EvC The Agnostic,Thank you for proposing a new topic and adding to our diversity. Since you are new to EvC, I suggest that you carefully read the Forum Guidelines and familiarize yourself with the functions of EvC by using the Practice Makes Perfect Forum or posting in existing threads.I like the idea of your topic, but there are some items that I feel need to be clarified in the OP so that everyone is on the same page. I feel you need to explain what you feel the Biblical concept of sin is. I assume you don't mean there is a Biblical concept of determinism. If I'm wrong, then explaining that is also helpful in preventing confusion. Providing verses from the Bible that support these statements will show that what you are saying is based on the Bible and not dogma and tradition.Maybe I'm reading it wrong, but what you presented seems to be more about a problem with God judging humans and not really about a conflict between sin and determinism. I don't feel the title reflects what is being discussed in the post. If I'm reading this incorrectly, please help me to understand.If you have questions or want me to reread your opening post, please respond to this post.In the purple signature box below, you'll find some links that will help make your journey here pleasant.As members, we are guests on this board and as guests we are asked to put forth our best behavior. Please read the Forum Guidelines carefully and understand the wishes of our host. Abide by the Forum Guidelines and you will be a welcome addition.Again welcome and fruitful debating.

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Usually, in a well-conducted debate, speakers are either emotionally uncommitted or can preserve sufficient detachment to maintain a coolly academic approach.-- Encyclopedia Brittanica, on debate

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I've edited my post and provided the Bible verses I used to support my arguments.I hope it's clearer now what I mean

Thread copied to the God's judgement and Determinism thread in the Faith and Belief forum.This copy of the thread has been closed.