Free Will: It Depends

Todd and Tyler talk about free will. Do we have free will? One possible response is, “It depends,” because free will can mean different things, from an absolute ability to have done otherwise to simply an ability to act in conformity with one’s desires. We talk about Robert Sapolsky’s recent book, Determined, arguing against both libertarian and compatibilist notions of free will. The thought of the late Daniel Dennett, who passed away the day before this recording, and who argued for a compatibilist sort of free will “worth wanting”. Immanuel Kant’s interesting defense of libertarian free will. Relevant scriptural passages from the Bible, like the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart, God’s choice of Jacob over Esau, God’s foreknowledge of future events, and predestination. The concept of agency in the Book Mormon and Latter-day Saint understandings of Satan’s plan to destroy agency. The opinions of various theologians like Augustine, Luther, and Calvin. And Jonathan Edwards in particular (revealing Todd’s apparent man crush on Edwards).

Spiritual Experiences

Todd and Tyler talk about spiritual experiences. Scriptural accounts of rushing mighty wind and hearts burning within. Surrendering control to the Spirit. The physical aspect of spiritual experiences, particularly in the brain. What we can know from spiritual experiences? Who we can know from spiritual experiences? How to interpret them. What spiritual experiences are for. And Todd mixes up Micaiah and Elisha.

Temples

Todd and Tyler discuss temples. The functions of temples in different cultures and the temples of Ancient Israel in particular. The various offerings and sacrifices. The concepts of holiness and separation. Christian theologies of the way temple worship carried over into the body of Christ in the Church and the Eucharist. Margaret Barker’s provocative theories about Josiah’s reforms and Deuteronomistic influence on temple worship. And the place of secrets, mysteries, and parables in religious life.