Summary of "Born to Sin?" Episode of Renewing Your Mind
Release Date: July 25, 2025
Introduction
In the "Born to Sin?" episode of Renewing Your Mind, host R.C. Sproul delves into the profound theological and philosophical debate surrounding free will and the inherent sinful nature of humanity. Drawing heavily from Jonathan Edwards' seminal work, Freedom of the Will, Sproul provides listeners with an in-depth exploration of how human choices are influenced by innate dispositions and the implications of original sin.
The Essence of Freedom
Sproul begins by articulating his understanding of freedom, emphasizing that true freedom involves the ability to choose based on one's own inclinations.
“When the moment of choice comes, whichever is the stronger is the one we follow. That doesn't deny freedom, but that's the essence of freedom, that is to have the power or the ability to choose according to your inclinations to choose what you want.”
— R.C. Sproul [00:00]
He clarifies that freedom is not merely the absence of constraints but the capability to make choices aligned with one's desires and inclinations.
Jonathan Edwards and the Freedom of the Will
Sproul transitions to a historical perspective, spotlighting Jonathan Edwards as a pivotal figure in the discourse on free will.
“I personally believe that it's the greatest treatment on this subject of free will that's ever been done and has not ever been refuted in my judgment.”
— R.C. Sproul [01:20]
He recounts the circumstances under which Edwards composed Freedom of the Will, highlighting Edwards' intellectual rigor and the swift manner in which he produced the work despite personal adversities.
Mind and Will: An Interconnected Relationship
A critical aspect of Edwards' philosophy, as explained by Sproul, is the intricate relationship between the mind and the will.
“Edwards defines the will as the mind choosing. And that's an important consideration because Edwards, in analyzing the operation of the will, the making of human decisions and the exercising of choices... the mind deems to be most good for us at the moment.”
— R.C. Sproul [02:45]
Sproul underscores that while Edwards distinguishes between the faculties of thinking (mind) and choosing (will), he simultaneously argues against their complete separation, emphasizing their interdependence in the decision-making process.
Causality and Human Choices
Sproul introduces Edwards' application of the law of causality to human volition.
“Choices are caused by inclinations. We have to understand that choices are motivated or driven by inclinations.”
— R.C. Sproul [05:30]
He explains that, according to Edwards, every human choice is the result of preceding desires and dispositions, rejecting the notion of choices occurring without cause.
Desire's Role in Decision-Making
The discussion progresses to the role of desire in shaping human decisions.
“It is the mind making a judgment about what is good for me at the moment or what will be pleasing to me at the moment.”
— R.C. Sproul [10:15]
Sproul elaborates on how desires, both physical and psychological, influence the mind's judgments, thereby directing the will's choices. He differentiates between mere physical appetites and deeper cognitive evaluations of what is deemed beneficial or pleasurable.
Paul's Struggle and Internal Conflict
Using Apostle Paul's struggle as depicted in Romans 7, Sproul illustrates the conflict between opposing desires within an individual.
“Paul is not at that time saying that he's completely vacant of any contrary desires to the things of God... There's a war going on inside of me between conflicting desires and conflicting inclinations.”
— R.C. Sproul [15:50]
He interprets Paul's declaration, “the good that I would, I do not,” as indicative of a inner battle where stronger inclinations towards sin overpower the desire to follow God's will.
Determinism vs. Self-Determination
Sproul distinguishes between philosophical determinism and the concept of self-determination within Edwards' framework.
“Choices are determined in the sense that they're caused by something... you have the ability to choose according to your strongest inclination at the moment.”
— R.C. Sproul [18:10]
He clarifies that while choices are caused by internal desires, this does not equate to external determinism; rather, it affirms human responsibility in decision-making based on personal inclinations.
Continuum of Desires: Practical Examples
To illustrate the variability of desires, Sproul presents everyday scenarios where fluctuating desires influence choices.
“If the doctor said, do you want to lose 30 pounds? I would say, yes, I have a desire to do that. And that desire, however, changes in its degree of intensity from moment to moment.”
— R.C. Sproul [20:05]
Through examples like dieting and selecting a seat in a room, he demonstrates how the intensity of desires at any given moment dictates the choices individuals make, reinforcing Edwards' view of a continuous spectrum of inclinations.
Critique of Indifferent Choices
Addressing opposing viewpoints, Sproul critiques the notion that true freedom necessitates complete indifference in choices.
“If I chose one thing over another for no reason whatsoever, in a completely arbitrary fashion, how would that have any moral significance to it?”
— R.C. Sproul [21:30]
He argues that without any inclination, choices would lack moral weight and would be irrational, as they would occur without any underlying reason or intent.
Natural Ability vs. Moral Ability
Sproul concludes the theological discourse by exploring Edwards' distinction between natural and moral abilities.
“We have the natural ability to make choices as human beings. We don't have the natural ability to fly through the air unaided by machines... What we lack is the moral ability to choose the things of God.”
— R.C. Sproul [22:50]
He explains that while humans inherently possess the capacity to make choices (natural ability), the ability to choose in alignment with God's will (moral ability) is compromised due to original sin, necessitating divine intervention for true spiritual transformation.
Conclusion
Throughout the episode, R.C. Sproul meticulously unpacks the complexities of free will, emphasizing that human choices are inherently influenced by internal desires shaped by one's fallen nature. By leveraging Jonathan Edwards' theological insights, Sproul articulates a nuanced understanding of freedom that acknowledges human responsibility while recognizing the profound impact of original sin on moral decision-making. The discussion reinforces the necessity of divine grace in restoring the ability to choose rightly, aligning human will with God's sovereign purpose.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
On the Essence of Freedom:
“When the moment of choice comes, whichever is the stronger is the one we follow...[...]”
— R.C. Sproul [00:00] -
On Jonathan Edwards' Contribution:
“...it's the greatest treatment on this subject of free will that's ever been done...”
— R.C. Sproul [01:20] -
On Causality in Choices:
“Choices are caused by inclinations..."
— R.C. Sproul [05:30] -
On Paul's Internal Struggle:
“There's a war going on inside of me between conflicting desires...”
— R.C. Sproul [15:50] -
On Natural vs. Moral Ability:
“We have the natural ability to make choices as human beings...[...]”
— R.C. Sproul [22:50]
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key themes and discussions presented by R.C. Sproul in the "Born to Sin?" episode, providing a clear and engaging overview for those who have yet to listen.