It's an interesting question, Laura. Actually, I think the answer IS "free will," so how can I use that answer and still follow your rules? I think that's part of the problem - we set up rules for how we thing God should behave, and then we expect God to behave accordingly. I think we also make a mistake if we define faith and religion as systems answers that are imposed upon us, rather than systems of inquiry for exploring and pondering the mysteries that surround us. I think that in faith, the questions are far more important than the answers - and any one question can have a vast number of answers.

I believe in the beauty of the spontaneity of every aspect of God's creation. Creation has infinite possibilities, and that is a primary aspect of its beauty and wonder. In a sense, all creation and all beings are creating themselves - and God is somehow actively bound into that ongoing, infinite process. If creation just played itself out according to a preordained script, would it still have that beauty and possibility and spontaneity, the ability to take part in the act of creation itself?

So, anyhow, I don't want anybody - not even God - writing the script for my life. If I make a few mistakes here and there, maybe that will help me grow in unexpected ways.

-Joe Offer-