John Horgan writes in the book The Greatest Inventions of the Past 2,000 Years criticizes the idea of free-will, stating “…free will is an illusion. But-even more so than God-it is a glorious, absolutely necessary illusion.”
As I pondered these last few lines of his essay in the book mentioned I was flumoxed. If he thinks it necessary than why is it an illusion. But what is an illusion? My first thoughts upon seeing the word ‘illusion’ is is something that does not exist, but must an illusion be a negative word? “For now we see through glass but darkly…” what we see is not quite right. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities…” what we think is the battle is only the front of the battle. How often has the devil presents us with an illusion to fight with or about.
No, free will is not an illusion John, but you are right it is necessary. My will has been freed by the power of the blood. Is your will free?