1. On Free Will, part 1: Definition
Philosophers have long debated whether or not humans have free will. The
question has important implications for how we should respond to those who
do harmful activities. Should we show mercy because they were compelled to
act badly, or should we respond to evil acts with vengeance?
I think any discussion about free will must start with a definition of
terms. I suggest that we regard free will as the ability at some point in
the decision-making process to have made a different choice. For nearly all
of us, we feel as if we have free will. We feel that we have choices (though
not always desirable choices) throughout the day. Unless there is a gun to
our head or similar coercion, we do not feel forced to choose among
available options.
But, is this sense of free will an illusion? As we reflect back on decisions
we have made, the question remains: could we have done otherwise? I will
start to explore this question next week.
Stephen R. Kaufman, M.D.
2. This Week’s Sermon from Rev. Frank and Mary Hoffman
Worldly Boasting, Godly Boasting
3. Upcoming Activist Opportunities
The CVA will donate up to $18/hr for the veg/animal advocacy group of your
choice. Contact Lorena at
LorenaValenziVeg@gmail.com if you can help.
Leafletting
07/15/2015 ID, Boise
Needtobreath “Tour de Comprades”
07/16/2015 FL, Daytona Beach
Tenth Avenue North
07-24-25/15 OK, Oklahoma City
Women of Faith 2015
08/4//2015 TN, Nashville
Casting Crowns
08/7-8-15 CO, Denver
Women of Faith 2015
08/8/2015 VA, Richmond
Casting Crowns
8/9/2015 GA, Atlanta
Third Day
8/10/2015 NY, NYC
Needtobreath “Tour de Compadres”
8/12/2015 FL, Florence
Needtobreath “Tour de Compadres”
8/14/2015 TN, Nashville
Needtobreath “Tour de Compadres”
8/14-15/15 KY, Louisville
Women of Faith 2015
08/14-15/15 TX, Dallas
Promise Keepers
8/14-16/15 AL, Birmingham
Festival of Hope with Franklin Graham
8/19/2015 IL, Chicago
Needtobreath “Tour de Compadres”
8/21/22/15 PA, Philadelphia
Women of Faith 2015
8/22/2015 AR, Little Rock
Casting Crowns
8/22-23/15 OK, Oklahoma City
The Good News Festival with Franklin Graham
9/25/2015 FL, Sunrise
Xtreme Christian Music Conference, Lecrae, Jeremy Camp
8/28/2015 CA, Anaheim
Third Day
9/11-12/15 CA, Anaheim
Women of Faith 2015
9/17-19/15 MO, St. Louis
Love Life Women’s Conference
9/18-19/15 FL, Orlando
Women of Faith 2015
9/25-26/15 IL, Hoffman Estates
Women of Faith 2015
10/01/2015 IL, Champaign
Tenth Avenue North, All the Earth is Holy Ground Tour
10/2/2015 VA, Roanoke
Women Conference
10/2-3/15 TX, Dallas
Women of Faith 2015
10/16-17/15 MN, St. Paul
Women of Faith 2015
10/16/2015 MS, Southhaven
Women Conference
10/22-24/15 New Jersey
Hillsong Conference
11/1-14/15 CT, Hartford
Women of Faith 2015
11/06-07/15 WA, SeaTac
Promise Keepers
11/20-21/15 CA, Sacramento
Women of Faith 2015
12/4-5/15 OR, Portland
Women of Faith 2015
Tabling
08/15-16/15 IL, Lisle
Veggie Fest 2015
08/02/2015 NY, Buffalo
VegFest
09/13/2015 MI, Grand Rapids
Vegfest 2015
10/03/2015 DC, Washington
DC VegFest 2015
10/10/2015 IL, Chicago
Vegan Mania 2015
10/17/2015 TX, Dallas
Texas Veggie Fair
10/24/2015 FL, Orlando
Central Florida VegFest 2015
10/24-25/15 MA, Boston
Boston Veg Fest 2015
11/1/2015 MN, Minneapolis
Twin Cities Veg Fest 2015
11/7/2015 FL, Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay Veg Fest
11/7/2015 GA, Atlanta
Atlanta Veg Fest 2015