This Sunday, Ryan Terry will discuss Free Will vs. Determination.

The question of free will is one which has been hotly debated for millennia. Some people believe that humans have the capacity for free will – the ability to choose their actions without being forced to follow a certain course by either by the influence of others or by natural laws. For many theists, free will is regarded as a special gift from God. The notion of human free will is also an important premise for a lot of what happens in human society.

Free will is necessary for the notion of personal responsibility. If people do not have free will, then it is difficult to argue that they are personally and morally responsible for their actions – and if that is the case, how can they be punished for their misdeeds? In fact, how can they be praised for the good things they do, if those actions were not also freely chosen?

Does a person really have free will or does a person’s environment, experiences and so forth mask a person’s real ability to have free will?

Sunday, April 29, 2012
Twin Falls Senior Center, Twin Falls, Idaho
Beginning at 10:30 AM

Although many of us are uncomfortable with the word, there are times when it seems to apply. Our Unitarian forebearers worked relatively hard to avoid facing the reality, nature, and depth of human evil, but when humanity behaves inhumanely, sometimes there can be no other word suitable to describe them. On this Sunday before Holocaust Remembrance Day we will consider evil, where it comes from and what we might be able to do in the face of it. We will also remember and honor those all over the world who have suffered and died at the hands of others. In the face of evil, sometimes all we can do is remember those who were lost.

Worship Leader: Rev. Suzanne Marsh
Worship Associate: Karen Fothergill

“This I Believe” essays originated in 1951 on a radio program hosted by Edward R. Murrow.

Americans from all walks of life shared essays of their core beliefs that guide their daily lives. For four years National Public Radio aired numerous essays written by famous and everyday people and although this program has ended, the idea lives on.

Join us this Sunday April 15th for a ‘This I Believe’ service. Come hear ‘This I Believe’ essays of some of our own UU members and enjoy the discussion afterwards of the core beliefs that guide our daily lives.

Worship Leader: Don Morishita

Sunday, April 15, 2012
Twin Falls Senior Center, Twin Falls, Idaho
Beginning at 10:30 AM