Tommy Hasoloan Simamora

Bondfree Will sebagai Tinjauan Teologis atas Relasi antara Kehendak Terikat dan Kehendak Bebas Manusia

Introduction

Bondfree will sebagai tinjauan teologis atas relasi antara kehendak terikat dan kehendak bebas manusia. Tinjauan teologis Bondfree Will menganalisis relasi kehendak terikat dan bebas manusia dari perspektif Agustinus dan Luther. Temukan bagaimana kebebasan sejati ditemukan dalam anugerah Tuhan.

Abstract

The concepts of free will and bound will are important theological issues that have been debated since the time of the Church Fathers through the Reformation era and remain relevant in postmodern discourse. This study aims to analyze the views of Augustine and Martin Luther on the relationship between human freedom and bondage, particularly in the context of sin, grace, and salvation. Using a qualitative method with a literature review approach, this study examines relevant primary and secondary works to compare the two perspectives. The findings reveal that Augustine acknowledges the corrupted human will yet retains the capacity to respond to grace, while Luther emphasizes the total bondage of human will to original sin, rendering humanity incapable of choosing good without divine grace. As a synthesis, the concept of BondFree Will is introduced to bridge the tension between the freedom to choose and bondage to sinful nature, emphasizing that true freedom can only be found in bondage to God's grace.

Review

This study addresses a perennially significant theological and philosophical debate concerning the concepts of free will and bound will, tracing its historical trajectory from the Church Fathers through the Reformation to contemporary discourse. The authors aim to meticulously analyze the perspectives of Augustine and Martin Luther on the intricate relationship between human freedom and bondage, specifically within the crucial theological framework of sin, grace, and salvation. Employing a qualitative methodology grounded in a comprehensive literature review of primary and secondary sources, the paper seeks to provide a comparative analysis of these foundational views, thereby establishing a robust context for its subsequent synthesis. The chosen topic remains highly relevant for understanding theological anthropology and soteriology across various Christian traditions. The core findings of the paper effectively delineate the distinct positions of Augustine and Luther. It rightly highlights Augustine's view of a corrupted human will that nonetheless retains some capacity to respond to divine grace, contrasting this with Luther's emphatic assertion of the total bondage of the human will to original sin, rendering humanity utterly incapable of choosing good independently of God's grace. The proposed synthesis, "BondFree Will," is introduced as an attempt to bridge the inherent tension between human freedom to choose and its bondage to a sinful nature. However, the abstract's description of this synthesis—"emphasizing that true freedom can only be found in bondage to God's grace"—suggests a resolution that aligns closely with a specific theological tradition (e.g., Lutheran *servum arbitrium*) rather than a symmetrically balanced bridging. The paper could benefit from further clarifying how this synthesis distinctly navigates the tension for those who interpret "free will" more broadly. Overall, this study offers a valuable contribution to the understanding of a complex theological problem by providing a clear comparative analysis of two immensely influential thinkers. Its systematic approach to the historical debate is commendable, setting the stage for deeper theological reflection. To further enhance its impact, the paper might benefit from a more explicit engagement with how "BondFree Will" offers a distinctive resolution that moves beyond established positions, particularly given the mention of "postmodern discourse" in the abstract. Exploring how this synthesis might resonate with or challenge contemporary philosophical concepts of autonomy or agency could also enrich the discussion. Nonetheless, the paper successfully illuminates historical theological arguments and proposes a thought-provoking synthesis that encourages readers to reconsider the nature of freedom and grace within Christian theology.

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