Free Will

I am secular but very believing. In the past, I had an issue with how evolution aligns with God, but eventually, I concluded that it does not contradict, and similarly with other matters. Now, something else troubles me: let's say the world is entirely deterministic (let's assume this for the sake of the question), is there a "bridging" explanation? Meaning, even if everything is deterministic and a person supposedly has no free will, is he still responsible for his actions and should receive reward or punishment? Is there an explanation for how this contradiction is resolved? I am really anxious about these thoughts and would appreciate an answer to calm down.

Hello,

The concept of 'determinism' contradicts the fact that a person chooses their actions. Everything must be predetermined, and the person is merely a result of all causes.

The primary basis of Judaism is 'choice'. As it is said in the Torah, 'and choose life'.

Another fundamental basis is 'reward and punishment'.

This is so fundamental that we are commanded to say it twice a day, in the recitation of the Shema. 'And it shall come to pass if you listen diligently to my commandments', and on the other hand 'beware for yourselves, etc.'

The Mishnah states: 'everything is foreseen, yet freedom of choice is given', meaning, although God knows exactly what a person will ultimately do, from the person's perspective, they have the freedom to do what they wish.

And only for this reason is there a system of commandments and transgressions — reward and punishment.