The relationship between determinism and religion is profound. At its core, religion reflects our subconscious grasp of the intricate web of cause and effect that governs existence. The choices we perceive to make are merely outcomes shaped by prior events—our actions, thoughts, and interactions that have accumulated over time. This spans from our immediate environment to our ancestral legacy and the geological history of our planet.

What could be more spiritually significant?

Ironically, many major religions, particularly those of Abrahamic origin, introduce the notion of “free will” almost as an afterthought. This concept seems essential to navigate the challenges posed by supernatural beliefs. If a divine entity oversees everything, why do some individuals endure suffering? Why do some face eternal punishment in hell?

The answer often provided is, “Because of free will. Because of choices.”

This reasoning offers a convenient escape from the dilemma of divine benevolence or omnipotence: humans possess the ability to choose. If one chooses to stray from divine guidance, the resulting hardships are merely consequences of their decisions.

However, removing the supernatural aspect from religion negates the need to fabricate free will as a means of addressing logical inconsistencies. We can return to the fundamental truths shared across various religions, philosophies, and contemporary spiritual practices, which emphasize the importance of relinquishing attachments—whether to people, beliefs, or specific outcomes. This essence, found in Stoicism, Christianity, Buddhism, and Alcoholics Anonymous, suggests surrendering to a higher power leads to inner peace. Recognizing the interconnectedness of all things, we find solace in the realization that everything is unified.

Recently, Pete Holmes discussed similar themes on the Rich Roll podcast. While he did not specifically address determinism, he referenced a timeless truth from 5,000 years ago when God spoke to Moses: “I AM THAT I AM.” Initially, God represented pure existence. The idea of a divine essence within us—akin to breath, centeredness, or the consciousness described by mystics—echoes concepts like nirvana. These ideas converge in their message: in the act of letting go and relinquishing control, we discover the “kingdom,” a space of peace that transcends individual identity.

In Exodus, God instructs Moses to tell the Israelites, “I AM hath sent you.”

“I am” conveys an expansive understanding of existence. Yet, we begin to see an agenda emerging—“I am” implies intention. God desires Moses to act. This marks the intrusion of narrative and identity into the pure essence of being—an inherently human imposition.

This leads to the question of how a sequence of causes and effects, rooted in determinism, relates to existence and the divine “is-ness.” We might attribute these sequences to God’s will, shaping them into an intelligible narrative. However, this merely reinterprets determinism through a more compelling lens.

Intelligence is inherent in all life. A seed instinctively knows to sprout when it receives water, transforming elements from its environment into nourishment. Animals adapt to their surroundings, while natural phenomena follow predictable patterns. It raises the question: is determinism itself an expression of intelligence? Does evolution possess purpose? It’s easy to envision a creator orchestrating events, but doing so necessitates the reinstatement of free will to avoid implicating the creator in suffering and injustice.

Some individuals accept the notion of a wrathful deity, rationalizing divine actions as justifiable. Yet, this perspective often reflects our insecurities and fears projected onto the concept of a creator. We need not impose such narratives.

The essence of religion rests in determinism, an understanding deeply ingrained within us. Cause inevitably leads to effect in an unbroken chain. Introducing the contradiction of free will serves only to reconcile our invented creator god, who embodies our virtues and vices. Abandoning the notion of a creator negates the need for free will to resolve the contradictions that arise from such beliefs.

Nonetheless, we can embrace the positive aspects of spirituality. The more we practice acceptance, relinquish attachments, and detach from ideological constraints or personal narratives, the more peace we cultivate. The Buddha taught that suffering arises from desire, leading us to strive for freedom from desire and to remain present.

The truth is, no one’s circumstances—be it extreme wealth or incarceration—stem from free will. Our sense of agency is an illusion; we traverse a landscape of cause and effect, shaped by factors beyond our control. Good fortune or adversity significantly influences our paths. A child born into a troubled environment faces significant challenges, while another may encounter unforeseen hardships despite a privileged start. These examples underscore that our lives are influenced by countless intricate details.

Your engagement with this article is yet another link in this chain of causation. Your response to it will be shaped by everything that preceded this moment. Whether you are new to the concept of determinism or have contemplated it extensively, your interaction is dictated by prior beliefs.

We do not emerge from a void at any moment; rather, we are the products of countless preceding factors. Just as a human being is formed from the union of sperm and egg, every moment is a culmination of prior causes. Free will is an illusion, as our choices are bound by earlier conditioning. Even the desire to prove otherwise stems from a challenge to your beliefs, which itself is a result of past experiences.

The key takeaway is to let go—let go of attachments, judgments, and worries about the past or future. Be present and continue seeking inner peace. Envision a world devoid of judgment based on the belief in free will. We would still need to protect society and confront harmful actions, yet reframing our understanding of human behavior would foster compassion rather than condemnation.

When we discard the fallacy of free will, concepts of “good” and “evil” also lose their significance. We often resort to labeling individuals as “evil” to explain heinous actions, assuming they freely choose their paths. This notion permeates our storytelling and mythology, from ancient gods to modern narratives.

We have long constructed deities that reflect our own traits, attempting to make sense of the world around us. When faced with inconsistencies in these beliefs, we invent free will and moral dualities to fill in the gaps.

We can transcend this need.

While the debate surrounding determinism and free will is ongoing, science is inherently dynamic. One insightful resource exploring this topic is Robert M. Sapolsky’s “Determined: A Science of Life without Free Will,” which critiques arguments against determinism based on neurological research. Similarly, Sam Harris, a neuroscientist, presents a compelling case in his concise work “Free Will.”

Yet, as both authors would agree, the crux of the matter lies not in isolated experiments demonstrating brain function but in the comprehensive understanding of our existence.

As Sapolsky states: "If you discuss the effects of neurotransmitters on behavior, you are implicitly discussing the genes that determine those chemical messengers and their evolutionary journey. Fields such as neurochemistry, genetics, and evolutionary biology are intertwined."

Examining how prenatal experiences shape adult behavior inevitably leads us to consider lifelong hormonal influences and cultural legacies. When we explore the impact of parenting styles, we must also acknowledge the cultural context that informs those practices. There is no room for free will in these discussions.

We don’t require it.

Moreover, if we consider determinism as a foundational principle underpinning existence, it becomes evident that our religions have been constructed around this concept, using storytelling to navigate the complexities of life. Problems arise when we take religious narratives at face value, failing to recognize the logical gaps they attempt to bridge.

We can release those claims.

Let us focus on the positive aspects of spiritual traditions, many of which align with secular philosophies. The essence lies in being open, present, and compassionate.

This perspective does not equate to apathy or nihilism; rather, it fosters deep compassion.

Acknowledging determinism allows us to recognize the equality of all beings, interconnected in a complex web of existence. We can appreciate the sanctity of life itself, relinquishing notions of moral superiority and embracing the shared experience of sentience.

We are consciousness experiencing itself, aware of our individual identities while being part of a greater unity. Our existence is inseparable from the collective consciousness we ultimately embody.