Abstract:
In this article, it is examined whether there is room for
human freedom in a Christian perspective. Augustine’s and Luther’s views are illuminating in
order to clarify this matter. The way they deal with the idea of predestination is an important
issue. According to Augustine, man is, to a certain degree, able to grasp the way in which God
governs man; this idea is not present in Luther’s thoughts. Their notions of ‘freedom’ differ
considerably as well; here, too, Augustine has more confidence in human reason than Luther
does. However, it is difficult for both Luther and Augustine to defend a notion of human
freedom and at the same time maintain God’s foreknowledge. Still, even irrespective of that,
human freedom is something which cannot easily be demonstrated. For both Christians and
non-believers, the issue of human freedom remains an unresolved problem.