Integrative Analysis B.F. Skinner is known for several different things, and one of his most known beliefs is his view on humanity, it’s personality, and determinism. Determinism is the idea that everything that occurs is a result of previous events and that no individual has the ability to control their behavior or what happens in their life (Miriam-Webster). His stance on determinism disregards the basic knowledge we have as Christians, that we experience free will. Skinner says that an individual's environment, past experiences and genetic make up contribute to all of their experiences in life, free will being one of those things. Free will along with the concept of personality are frivolous ideas that hold no weight. Skinner believes that autonomy is just a
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Skinner is all for individuals feeling free and increasing the idea of that freeness, but, he says that although people say they want freedom, they have more comfort finding freedom in order, or set ideals (Skinner, 1978). A parallel I make to this belief, is having freedom in Christ. I am aware of the free will we are given but there is no better experience and knowledge than knowing my freedom is found in Christ who died for me. Some people may view the laws we follow and the way Christians are intended to act as a hinderance on their freedom, but I find it more freeing to have that structure, in God. In Romans, Paul says that we are free from sin, but a slave to God (Rom. 6:22 NASB), which continues to reinforce that idea that freedom may be found in various ways, and this case, freedom is found through relationship with God, but still within that structure that Skinner was referring
Skinner is all for individuals feeling free and increasing the idea of that freeness, but, he says that although people say they want freedom, they have more comfort finding freedom in order, or set ideals (Skinner, 1978). A parallel I make to this belief, is having freedom in Christ. I am aware of the free will we are given but there is no better experience and knowledge than knowing my freedom is found in Christ who died for me. Some people may view the laws we follow and the way Christians are intended to act as a hinderance on their freedom, but I find it more freeing to have that structure, in God. In Romans, Paul says that we are free from sin, but a slave to God (Rom. 6:22 NASB), which continues to reinforce that idea that freedom may be found in various ways, and this case, freedom is found through relationship with God, but still within that structure that Skinner was referring