Secular Determinism

… is the belief that human choices are deterministic – that there is no libertarian free will (“libertarian free will” is the philosophic term for belief in human free will and has nothing to do with politics). No one argues that the physical realm is deterministic – that everything in the physical realm happens by natural causes. And since biology can be reduced to physical (chemical and electrical) processes, it follows that human (and animal) choices are also deterministic. This assumes a materialist world view – that there is nothing beyond nature.

The secular determinist believes there is nothing beyond nature. But there are other world views. Dr. Werner Gitt, for example, a German physicist and author of the book, In the Beginning was Information, suggests that volition (free will) is a fundamental element of the universe, along with matter, energy, and information. Dr. Gitt is also a Christian – the notion that human free will (volition) can be reduced to physical processes doesn’t fit the Christian world view. Jesus said, “God is a Spirit and those who worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth.”

So the secular determinist believes that human beliefs and choices are biologically determined based on a world view that believes there is nothing beyond nature. But if there is something beyond nature, there is the possibility that human beings, created in the image of God, have a spiritual aspect to their existence which transcends the material universe. In which case there may be a spiritual source for human free will. For human beliefs and choices. But that goes against our increasingly secular world view which pretends that there are moral requirements behind its materialist philosophy. But there aren’t if determinism is true.

If we look at behavior, human choices are based on belief, desire, and temperament. If secular determinism is true, then human beliefs, desires, and temperaments are biologically determined. And therefore human choices are also determined.

My question to the secular determinist is, “Was it determined by biology that you would believe in secular determinism? That you would believe that nature is all there is? And if so, why was it not determined by my biology since I believe neither of those things? Do you think that your biology is superior to mine, just different, or something else?”

Another question: “Why do you choose to believe there is no libertarian free will?” If you believe in libertarian free will, there are moral consequences for human beliefs and choices. But if determinism is true, there are no moral requirements. Life is meaningless – it is all just carbon-based molecular and electro-chemical reactions. There is no basis to believe that love exists. You cannot be free to love if you are not also free to not love someone.

And has not every great civilization in history acted as if it believes in libertarian free will? Did the Romans dole out consequences for people who broke their laws? They invented death by crucifixion. Ancient Greece had Socrates stoned for corrupting youth. Great Britain? Admiral Byng was executed by firing squad for failing to do his utmost in the battle of Minorca in 1757. The old Soviet Union put millions to death for crimes against the Bolshevik revolution (real or imagined).

But if secular determinism is true, there are no moral mores for human beliefs and choices. “Let fate be fated,” as the antagonists say in John C. Wright’s novel, The Dark Tower. If there are no moral mores, neither should there be consequences. Do you choose to believe there is no libertarian free will because you do not wish to take responsibility for your beliefs and choices? Or do you honestly believe it is a better way to live?

The writer of Deuteronomy wrote, “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;” (Deuteronomy 30:19, NKJV)

The New Testament writer Paul wrote, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of a sound mind.”

Jesus said, “Change the way you think and believe the good news: the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” In the kingdom of Heaven, His laws will be written on our hearts and minds and there will be no death, no pain, and no suffering. And no need to believe that determinism is a thing. Because His love will prevail in all things.