From Argyle Street is an ongoing exploration of literature, theology, and cocktails. If you’ve been forwarded this by a friend, why not join yourself?
The novel sparks reflection on the degree of freedom within one’s own circumstances. Yet, it's hard to not step back and consider the same question from a broader perspective.
What is the nature of human freedom?
For example, many take comfort in the sentiment, everything happens for a reason. The comfort gained from this is grounded in the idea of destiny or fate.
This amounts to the conviction that we're living within a story, one that's already been written. We're just living out our roles within some previously crafted script.
I can see why people turn to this for comfort, especially in the wake of tragedy. Yet, something about it also feels restrictive. Because if it's true, how can anything like free will truly exist?
Either we're living out a script that's already been written and every decision and action of our lives has already been decided. Or, we write the script ourselves, penning the next twist with every decision and every breath we take.
So, which is it?
I believe this is a question whose answer isn’t so black and white. It’s more tinged with mystery.
The Bible doesn't teach anything that coincides with destiny, but it does teach about God's plans. For example, the Old Testament is ripe with prophecies that pointed centuries forward to Jesus. These include details as small as what town he'd be born in all the way up to his death and resurrection. This could only happen if reality is in some way scripted.
Yet, from the origins of humanity, it's clear that God has granted us a degree of freedom. Adam and Eve had the freedom to choose or reject God, which is a freedom they exercised.
Theologians disagree nowadays on the extent to which we still possess that same freedom. But it's my belief that God is unchanging and that God values love. For this reason, it follows that God would continue to grant us freedom of the will, out of his undeserved kindness to us.
“God sovereignly decreed that man should be free to exercise moral choice, and man from the beginning has fulfilled that decree by making his choice between good and evil.”
-A.W. Tozer, Pastor and Theologian
So, is there a script? Yes. Absolutely.
But has everything within that script, from beginning to end, already been drafted? I would suggest, no.
Perhaps one purpose of biblical prophecy is to clue us in to the broader plot points, to grant us some greater awareness of the story that's unfolding. If that’s so, my recommendation is to consider the story well and choose your part wisely.
You've been given freedom for a reason. Use it well.